Texas House blocks Democrats from leading committees

A look inside the Texas House chambers just before the new session begins. (Texas House of Representatives)
AUSTIN, Texas - New rules for the 89th Texas legislative session prevent members of the minority party from leading committees.
The rules are in direct opposition to Democrats who voted for Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) as House speaker under the guise that he would appoint some Democrats to lead committees. Still, the new rules allow Democrats to continue to have a voice in the House through increased power for committee vice-chairs.
Why you should care:
House Resolution 4 established the rules of the Texas House of Representatives.
The House passes rules for each legislative session that cover things from the role and rights of the speaker, how committees operate and floor procedures. In years past, Democrats, while in the minority, have been appointed to lead House committees.
Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) introduced the rules for this session.

Rep. Todd Hunter address the Texas House on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, as he introduces House Resolution 4.
Among the changes, a provision that only members of the majority political party in the House can be appointed to lead a committee. The vice-chair would then need to be a member from outside that party.
Currently, Republicans hold an 88-62 majority in the house.
The new House rules were passed 116-23 on Thursday with one member voting present.
Under the new rules, vice-chairs will be given their own budget and be allowed to invite witnesses to testify at public hearings, and they'll have the ability to designate matters for public hearings.
Under previous rules, vice-chairs were just a title.
Vice-chairs are now able to direct the preparation of impact statements in the same way a committee chair does.
The new house rules also create standing subcommittees, which Hunter argues will allow more bills to be considered.
What they're saying:
Hunter told the other House members Thursday that the changes were an effort to encourage committee chairs and vice-chairs to work together.
"If we're really, truly a body that works together, then this concept works," Hunter said. "We were elected as 150 people representing the state of Texas. Our role is, let's get something done."
In a news conference following the House vote, Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu said the vote reduced the party's power, but still allowed them a seat at the table and to have interactions in the legislative process.

Rep. Gene Wu address the media after the House voted to adopt new rules that prevent Democrats from holding committee chair position.
"It has hurt Democrats and reduced our power, but at least gives us some ability to interact in the process and have our constituents' needs met," Wu said.
Rep. Ramon Romero (D-Fort Worth) said that while he wanted to be a committee chair, he thought Thursday was a new day for House members who were there to work.
"This is a new day and today the men and women that have always come to Austin that really want to do the work, they voted for this package," Romero said.
Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston) said the rules give Democrats a chance to advocate for change.
"We have a seat at the table to advocate for true public education and public education funding," Johnson said. "We have a seat to advocate that no longer is it acceptable to have the highest rate of uninsured children. We have a seat to let you know we will advocate to no longer be the worst state for maternal mortality and morbility."
Ahead of the vote, Rep. Jared Patterson proposed what is called the nuclear option. If a member has 25 signature, there would be no debate and members would vote on the resolution.
"We are not here to play games today," Patterson said. "We are here to work."
The move angered GOP Party Chair Abraham George.
"Today, the coalition of House Republicans and Democrats who defied their voters to elect coalition Speaker Dustin Burrows worked to shut down Republicans amending the rules," George said. "While they will claim they have banned Democrat chairs, they have instead given the Democrats, the party Texas voters rejected, more power than ever before – that's why the Democrats voted in support of this rules package and of the Burrows regime."
The backstory:

Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) is sworn in as House Speaker on Jan. 14, 2025. Burrows won by a vote of 85-55 over Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield).
During the opening session of the Texas House, 49 Democrats sided with 36 Republicans to vote for Burrows over Mansfield Rep. David Cook.
The Democrats feared that Cook would keep them from holding committee chairs. The minority party has traditionally had a few committee chair appointments.
Burrows addressed the concerns during his acceptance speech on Jan. 14.
"Every member. Every member will have a voice. Every district. Every district will have a seat at the table," said Burrows.
Wu said Burrows' win would make sure the full electorate's voice was heard.
But not everyone was on board with the election of Burrows as speaker.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the election was the "first time in our nation’s history where the minority party openly elected the speaker of a legislative body instead of the majority party."
After Thursday's vote, some Republicans still believe the Democrats have too much power in the House.
How do committees work?
House standing committees fill half of their members by seniority as each House member identifies three standing committees they wish to participate in.
The other half of the committee is filled by speaker appointment. The speaker additionally appoints the committee's chair and vice-chair.
House members can only serve on two standing committees during a session.
The rules restrict the committee chairs of the State Affairs, Ways and Means and Appropriations committees from serving on additional committees.
The Source: Information in this article comes from HR4, the Jan. 23, 2025, House Session and previous FOX reporting.