The Republican-led Texas Senate passed a sweeping voter suppression bill Thursday, following a 15-hour overnight filibuster by Democrat Carol Alvarado. Under Senate rules, Alvarado could not take bathroom breaks or drink water and was not allowed to sit or lean against her desk. Wearing sneakers and a back brace for support, she concluded her marathon filibuster Thursday morning.
Sen. Carol Alvarado: “Voter suppression anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere. Thank you. Gratefully, thank you, Mr. President and members.”
The bill now heads to the Texas House, where Democrats have successfully been delaying its passage by not showing up to vote, thus denying the chamber a quorum. Earlier this week, the House speaker signed 52 arrest warrants to compel the Democrats to return to the Capitol.