State Sen. Carol Alvarado concluded a lengthy 15-hour filibuster on the Texas Senate floor on Thursday morning, attempting to block Republicans from passing Senate Bill 1, the new special session’s voter suppression legislation.
The Houston lawmaker’s filibuster began around 6 p.m. on Wednesday and carried through the night until 9:00 a.m. the next day.
Republicans ultimately passed the bill for a third time, advancing it to the Texas House, which is still short of reaching a quorum.
The 54-page election integrity bill being pushed by Republicans prevents drive-thru and 24-hour voting, empowers party-picked poll watchers, and prevents election officials from sending out unsolicited mail ballot applications.
In Congress where Republicans have a minority, Sen. Ted Cruz successfully blocked a debate on federal voting rights legislation that was being sought by Texas Democrats who broke quorum and traveled to Washington D.C.
The sweeping For the People Act would go after dark money in politics, reform campaign finance laws, and address gerrymandering.
Cruz blocked debate on the bill and other election-related bills shortly before the lawmakers went on recess. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised the voting rights legislation will be the priority for the Senate when it returns to session in September.
Fernando covers Texas politics and government at the Texas Signal. Before joining the Signal, Fernando spent two years at the Houston Chronicle and previously interned at Houston’s NPR station News 88.7. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and enjoys reading, highlighting things, and arguing on social media. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email at fernando@texassignalarchive.com
