http://www.kvue.com/home/Capitol-protesters-help-prevent-vote-on-controversial-abortion-bill-213121161.html
Protesters Help Prevent Vote on Abortion Bill
AUSTIN -- Lt. Governor David Dewhurst is blaming the failure of Senate Bill 5 on hundreds of protesters. The vote for the bill came in just minutes after the midnight deadline, which means it was unable to pass.
Hundreds of protesters exploded in anger just before midnight at the State Capitol when Republicans moved to vote on a bill that has been controversial in Texas and across the United States.
More than 11 hours into a filibuster by Senator Wendy Davis, leaders ended her speech, saying a point she was trying to make was not within the rules. With just 15 minutes left in the special session, Republicans moved to vote on Senate Bill 5, and that's when the gallery erupted. People began shouting and screaming so loud that those there say you couldn't hear the person next to you talking.
There was a vote and Republicans passed the bill. The Senate's website even showed it happened after midnight. Moments later it was changed to say the vote happened on June 25.
There was then more confusion and uproar from Democrats and protesters. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst called a caucus and cleared the gallery.
After three hours he came back to say the vote did not happen before midnight, not before the special session ended, therefore the bill was dead.
Around 3:30 a.m. Senator Davis came out to address the hundreds who supported her in the gallery and through Twitter. Many used the hash tag #IStandWithWendy.
Democrats say they are prepared to continue the battle over this issue.
"Last night you saw 2 or 3 thousand people in the Capitol," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa estimated. "Next time you'll see 10 thousand people in the Capitol making sure that the Republicans don't do this. They're gonna be heard and they're gonna be sure that the Republicans know there are consequences for their dirty tricks and the way they're playing in the Texas Senate today."
Lt. Governor Dewhurst took to Twitter to speak to more than 6 thousand followers just after 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, stating "I pledge to Texas one thing; this fight is far from over".
In addition to the abortion regulations, there are two other bills lawmakers never had a chance to vote on in this historic special session.
End of article
Oh, I wish I could have been there! How great to see the will of the people prevail! Now we need to get Wendy Davis elected governor, and oh how happy we Texans would be!
Well, the Democratic Texans anyway. The people who matter. :)
Unfortunately, this was a short-lived victory. Governor Perry has called a second special session. The bill will pass this time. Very sad that a bunch of lawmakers who advocate so hard against big government are spending taxpayers money to push a bill through that will tell Texas women what they can and can't do with their bodies. Especially Texas women in poverty, who don't have the financial means to travel out of state for needed gynecological care.
#standwithwendy
"Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!"
from "Les Miserables"
librarianintx
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