Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday directed the arrests of state House Democrats who fled the Lone Star State for blue states in an effort to stop the GOP's redistricting legislation.

“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.

Earlier, he had threatened to remove them from office if they don't show up to work. That prompted a strong reaction from Democrats,........

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