Beto O'Rourke's faction covers the expenses incurred by Texas House Democrats before fleeing the state
In the ongoing political drama in Texas, Beto O'Rourke's political action committee, Powered by People (PBP), is playing a significant role. The committee, along with major donors like the Texas Majority PAC, has been providing financial support to Texas Democrats who have fled the state to prevent Republicans from passing a new congressional map perceived as heavily rigged in favour of the GOP.
Powered by People has been donating to the Texas House Democratic Caucus to assist with travel and lodging costs. O'Rourke has publicly committed to backing the Democrats "for as long as it takes to stop Trump's power grab" and has been actively soliciting donations nationwide to fund this resistance. Texas Majority PAC, funded largely by George Soros, also contributes by coordinating with national fundraising groups for additional financial support.
However, the legality of using political funds to pay the fines is under scrutiny. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into whether Powered by People violated laws regarding campaign expenditures and coercion by funding the Democrats' departure, calling it a "financial influence scheme" and demanding internal documents.
The Texas Senate acquitted Paxton in September 2023 over claims of misusing his power to aid a friend and donor. Despite this, the Democrats' mission to leave Texas continues, with members racking up bills from their travels to remain outside of state boundaries to avoid getting picked up by state authorities for at least the next two weeks.
Governor Greg Abbott could call another legislative session soon, which may require the Democrats to hold out longer. Members are facing threats of arrest and expulsion for leaving the state, but the effort to leave Texas is being expensed legally. The House Democratic Caucus is receiving support from citizens across Texas and the country.
O'Rourke has been in regular touch with House Democrats since President Donald Trump suggested shifting five congressional districts in favour of Texas Republicans. He has been sounding the alarm on the ramifications of the new maps and the cost of thwarting them during his town hall tour.
The House rules prohibit members from using campaign accounts to cover a $500-per-day fine each day they're not at work. It's unclear how, if at all, outside money can be used to help cover the penalties. Abbott has ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate Democratic members for potential bribery and legal violations tied to their trips out of state.
The ensuing impeachment proceedings against Paxton were seen as an "ugly spectacle" by the Attorney General, who called it a partisan "sham." The House Democratic Caucus accused Paxton of corruption in relation to the investigation. Members may have to hold out longer, as the legal battles surrounding their actions continue.
- O'Rourke's political action committee, Powered by People (PBP), has been contributing to the Texas House Democratic Caucus, not only in financial support but also to cover travel and lodging costs, demonstrating their involvement in both national and international politics.
- As the investigation led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton into Powered by People's potential violation of campaign expenditure laws deepens, the general news headlines are filled with debates about the legality of using political funds to cover the fines for out-of-state travel by democrat members, raising questions about policy-and-legislation and its impact on the environment.
- While the ongoing political drama in Texas focuses on issues such as the new congressional map and the Democrats' departure from Texas, international media is covering the ensuing impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Ken Paxton, which he considers a partisan "sham," shedding light on the complexities of international politics and the rule of law.
