FBI grants Sen. Cornyn’s request to track down Texas Democrats who fled to avoid redistricting

Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn said Thursday that the FBI has approved his request to track down state Democratic House members who have fled to prevent a GOP-led congressional redistricting vote in their chamber – on the argument they have abdicated their "congressional authority."

“I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said Thursday.

Cornyn reached out to Patel on Tuesday, in hopes of securing FBI assistance in locating the lawmakers who fled Sunday.

“I thank President Trump and Director Patel for supporting and swiftly acting on my call for the federal government to hold these supposed lawmakers accountable for fleeing Texas," Cornyn also said. "We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities.”

In his letter to the FBI director, Cornyn said it appeared the problem merited federal aid to reach a solution.

“I am encouraged by the strong leadership from Governor Abbott on this matter. Governor Abbott and Texas state law enforcement officers are doing what they can within the confines of the law, but federal help may be necessary. These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable,” the letter states.

ABC reported how Cornyn highlighted the responsibility of lawmakers, calling those who fled and broke quorum “irresponsible." In avoiding redistricting, other problems, such as legislation to offer relief after recent Texas floods, cannot be reached.

"There are a number of things on the call that Gov. Abbott has listed, including redistricting, but they're missing all of those. And I think that's irresponsible, and I think we just need to get to the bottom of it," the senator said. "They got to come back home sometime ... it's not going to be successful. They're not going to be able to ultimately escape their responsibility. It's a stunt."