What Happened This Week
The Texas Legislature convened on Monday, July 21 for a 30-day Special Session. While the agenda includes flood preparedness, property tax relief, THC regulation, and education reform, only one item has been addressed so far: congressional redistricting.
Speaker Burrows Appoints Bipartisan Redistricting Committee
On Day 1, Speaker Dustin Burrows appointed the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting. The committee includes:
Chair: Rep. Cody Vasut (R–Angleton)
Vice Chair: Rep. Jon Rosenthal (D–Houston)
Additional Role: Rep. Armando Martinez (D–Weslaco) also joined the Disaster Preparedness & Flooding Committee
While framed as a move toward transparency, many Republicans across the state have expressed concern over the appointment of Democrats to this high-stakes redistricting process.
Redistricting Hearings Begin – No Maps Yet
Hearings were held this week in Austin, Houston, and Arlington, with testimony from activists, community leaders, and political watchdogs.
Yet as of Friday, no draft maps have been released.
Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the effort, stating it could “yield five additional GOP seats” and help Republicans maintain a U.S. House majority.
Democrats objected, citing concerns about minority representation and threatening quorum breaks or lawsuits if the maps are rushed.
The 2021 maps are still under DOJ scrutiny, which adds pressure to the process.
Flood Relief Legislation Introduced
While redistricting dominated headlines, legislators also filed House Bill 165, which would establish a model disaster recovery framework across Texas.
The bill includes:
Standardized debris removal and recovery plans
FEMA coordination processes
Housing and volunteer support after major floods
TDEM officials testified this week, acknowledging major breakdowns in emergency coordination — including a lack of warning sirens in hard-hit areas.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of Democrats in the redistricting committee has drawn criticism from many Republican voters and grassroots leaders across the state.
No maps have been shown to the public, raising concerns about backroom deal-making and partisan gerrymandering.
Flood relief, though urgently needed, has taken a backseat to redistricting.
What’s Ahead
| Event | What to Watch |
|---|---|
| Redistricting Map Releases | Will any maps be made public before next week’s hearings? |
| Continued Hearings | House committee meets Thursday & Saturday; Senate meets Friday |
| Democrat Tactics | Will quorum-breaking or walkouts delay the process? |
| Remaining Agenda Items | Flood relief, STAAR reform, THC regulation, and tax cuts are still pending |
