In a dramatic escalation, the Texas House voted to cut off direct deposit for Democrat lawmakers who fled the state, blocking their pay until they return. On top of that, each absent member faces a $500 daily fine, piling up fast as political tensions erupt in Austin.

The move follows weeks of gridlock after Democrats broke quorum to stall voting legislation. Supporters call it accountability, while critics slam it as political payback — but one thing’s clear: the longer they stay away, the steeper the price.

In a dramatic escalation, the Texas House voted to cut off direct deposit for Democrat lawmakers who fled the state, blocking their pay until they return. On top of that, each absent member faces a $500 daily fine, piling up fast as political tensions erupt in Austin.

The move follows weeks of gridlock after Democrats broke quorum to stall voting legislation. Supporters call it accountability, while critics slam it as political payback — but one thing’s clear: the longer they stay away, the steeper the price.