Democratic members slammed the process, questioning why hearings were happening before maps were available for review. Chair Cody Vasut said follow-up public hearings will be scheduled once maps are filed.

The Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives announced the formation of a House Select Committee to tackle congressional redistricting during the ongoing special called session of the Texas Legislature.

Republicans are looking for a lifeline. They have narrow, fragile control of the House of Representatives and could lose their majority entirely in next year's midterm elections. So the GOP is hoping Texas will provide a buffer.