Texas Republicans retaliate against Dem lawmaker

Texas Republicans moved to strip newly elected Democratic state Senator Taylor Rehmet of legislative power by excluding him from committee assignments, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporting.

Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick announced committee vacancies Monday without naming Rehmet, preventing him from participating in interim policy hearings lawmakers typically hold before the next legislative session.

Rehmet, a veteran and union organizer, accused GOP leaders of silencing...