What is happening in Texas is nothing short of a moral and constitutional crisis. The state GOP is gerrymandering districts, attempting to detain duly elected state representatives, and undermining basic democratic norms. Meanwhile, people are being subjected to systemic injustices — and too many of us are watching from the sidelines while our institutions fail to respond.
Do you not see the fascism here? The erosion of law, norms, and human decency is happening in real time. The more these actions go unchecked, the more precedent is set for future abuses. People are dying in detention, communities are being stripped of representation, and the GOP is making a numbers game out of human rights. This is morally bankrupt and politically reprehensible.
I understand that some of these actions fall under state jurisdiction. But Congress can and must use every tool at its disposal to respond:
• Hold oversight hearings and demand accountability from state actors.
• Call on the Department of Justice to investigate civil rights violations and voter suppression.
• Support and expedite federal court challenges to gerrymandering and unlawful detentions.
• Speak publicly and forcefully to make it clear that attacks on democracy will not be tolerated.
Silence is complicity. Inaction is allowing authoritarianism to take root. I urge you to act boldly, decisively, and immediately. The country is watching — and history will judge those who stood by.