As the clock ticks toward the end of the special legislative session on August 19, House Democrats in Austin are still nowhere to be found — and Texans are paying the price.

Instead of showing up to debate and pass legislation, Texas House Democrats have once again walked out, denying the chamber the quorum it needs to do business. This tactic isn’t new — but this time, the consequences are even more serious. With just days left in the special session, nothing has been done in the Texas House.

While Democrats play political games, critical priorities for our state are left hanging. That includes funding for flood relief in communities recently devastated by storms, reinforcements for border security, education reforms, property tax relief, and disaster preparedness. Every day Democrats refuse to show up is another day Texans go without the help they need.

That’s why we tweeted: “For every week the Democrats are gone, Republicans should ADD ANOTHER GOP SEAT to the map!”

Texans deserve elected officials who show up, work hard, and get things done. Republicans have remained in Austin, ready to move forward on urgent legislation. But with Democrats missing in action, progress is being held hostage by political obstruction.

Perhaps most outrageous is the delay in flood relief funding. Families across East and Southeast Texas are still recovering from destructive storms. They’re counting on state assistance to rebuild — and it’s being stalled because Democrats won’t show up to vote. Texans in crisis shouldn’t have to wait for political stunts to end before they get the help they deserve.