AUSTIN – Yesterday, the Texas Senate worked 15 hours to pass 5 of the 6 items on Gov. Abbott’s special session call. Following the completion of the Senate’s business, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement:

“Yet again, the Texas Senate’s superb work ethic was on display for all to see. During yesterday’s marathon floor session lasting 15 hours, the Senate passed 5 of Gov. Abbott’s 6 emergency items, including school choice, teacher pay raises, border security, increasing penalties for human smuggling and banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private employers.

“To be clear, Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, already passed school choice and teacher pay raises during the regular session. This is the 6th time that Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, has passed the provisions of our border security bill. For the 2nd time, Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, passed his human smuggling bill. And Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, passed legislation banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates months ago during the regular session.

“Meanwhile, the Texas House, under Speaker Phelan’s leadership, never came to an agreement on any of these bills during the regular session and they all died. Now, one week into the special session, the House has not even scheduled a single hearing, let alone passed a single bill.

“Texas parents want school choice to pass. Texas teachers want pay raises. Texans expect stronger border security. Texas workers do not want to be forced to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The House needs to get to work because Texans are watching.”