Fact-check: Is there 'clear legal authority to handcuff and put in leg irons' fleeing TX Democrats?

[TexasTowelie]

Ted Cruz: "There is clear legal authority to handcuff and put in leg irons legislators that are trying to stop the legislature from being able to do business."

PolitiFact's ruling: False

Here's why: On Tuesday morning, less than 24-hours after Texas Democratic legislators fled their home state to block passage of a GOP voting rights bill, USA Today reporter Savannah Behrmann caught up with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, for his thoughts on the errant lawmakers.

It’s nothing but a political stunt that is doomed to fail, he said. And as soon as they return to the state he expects their immediate arrest, echoing a pledge made earlier this week by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

"There is clear legal authority to handcuff and put in leg irons legislators that are trying to stop the Legislature from being able to do business,” Cruz said in a hallway interview. And that “clear legal authority” is explicitly expressed in the state constitution, a fact he learned 18 years ago when state Democrats made their last exodus to thwart a GOP-backed congressional redistricting effort.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2021/07/16/there-clear-legal-authority-handcuff-truant-texas-democrats-voting-bill-ted-cruz/7990303002/

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Well, it would help a lot if gop just stopped their bullshit.

[WHITT]

2. But

It's their Raison d'etre.

[monkeyman1]

3. ted is ?

congress is supposed to make law's & doj enforce them ! why is pea brain asking the public such a stupid question! he is there to know the answers! I'm just a plain ol' person & can tell ya that if people don't agree in this country they get up & walk the fuck out ! ted might think about doing something stupid like doing his job & instead of just drawing a god damn paycheck ! he's not even qualified for minimum wage!

[Cracklin Charlie]

4. Leg irons?

How many of the Texas democrats are people of color?

I find racist Cruz’ comment disgusting. Especially since he himself is a person of color, whether he admits it or not. He’s gross.

[Javaman]

5. in other news: zodiac killer cruz continues to talk out his ass. nt