AUSTIN (AP) – Republicans have strengthened their grip on the Texas senate, shrugging off nearly 70-years of tradition with a rules change.
The GOP holds a 20 to 11 majority in the upper chamber, which under the old "two thirds" rule would have left them one vote short of being able to bring up bills for debate without the support of at least one democrat.
That meant most controversial bills would be blocked from the floor. But, new lieutenant governor Dan Patrick has pushed through a change that reduces the required number to only 19.
That may leave democrats powerless to block bills or force compromise on some issues.
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