AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday kicked off a heated debate over a new congressional map creating five new potential GOP seats that is expected to pass the chamber later in the day as part of a growing national redistricting battle.

The situation is an opportunity for the speaker to bolster his credibility with the right, but he has limited tools to combat a prolonged Democratic absence.

Returning Democrats were met with restrictions to their movement, including being under the watchful eye of state police officers to ensure their attendance is not temporary.

AUSTIN, Texas (KLTV) - For the first time in over two weeks, the House is scheduled to discuss and potentially vote on redistricting the state’s congressional map.

Rep. Nicole Collier has been in the House for more than 10 hours Monday after she has refused to have a Texas state law enforcement officer shadow her if

State Rep. Nicole Collier said she would not fall in line with the GOP House speaker's requirement that Democratic lawmakers be surveilled by state troopers.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows is warning that any absent lawmakers found this weekend will be arrested and brought back to Austin for the start of the seco