This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley state representative Trent Ashby and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded July 16, 2021.

State representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin, whose district includes Madison and Leon counties, is among Republican lawmakers who continue to ask House Democrats in Washington D.C. to come home.

Ashby also gives a shout out to Democrats who did not go to Washington, saying those who stayed in Austin "are eager to work and want to vote and have the discussion and debate on the bills that are before us."

Ashby says they need approximately ten members to return in order to resume business in Austin.

Ashby says any consequences for those who went to Washington will be left to the house speaker and the governor.

During the special session, Ashby is chairing the House select committee on constitutional rights and remedies. That's in addition to his continuing appointments on the appropriations and transportation committees.

Ashby says "essentially this committee is being tasked with looking at a number of the issues that are on the governor's call of items that we are being asked to consider during our special session".