Unless They Change Senate Rules Redistricting May Be Dead in Texas Again

Republican Sen. Bill Ratliff said today he would join with 10 other senators in attempting to block a congressional redistricting bill from reaching the Senate floor.

Ratliff, former acting lieutenant governor, said he has told Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst of a statement signed by 10 other senators stating their "unalterable opposition" to any motion to bring up redistricting for debate.

Under longstanding Senate rules, two-thirds -- or 21 senators -- must agree to bring a bill up for debate before it can be considered on the Senate floor. It takes 11 senators to block a bill from debate in the 31-member chamber.

A few minutes before Ratliff spoke, Dewhurst said it was possible that he would consider changing those rules.

Dewhurst said if it becomes clear that there are not the 21 votes to bring the bill up for debate, he would "consider all of our options." He indicated that could include changing the Senate rule.

Republican Gov. Rick Perry called the special session June 30, initially to address redistricting. He later expanded the agenda to include more than two dozen other items.