Texas Democrats are considering their options to block a Republican-led effort to redraw the state's congressional maps during a special session that began Monday.

Abbott has tasked lawmakers with redrawing congressional districts mid-decade. The move follows a U.S. Department of Justice letter to state leaders that said three Houston districts and a Fort Worth area district are “unconstitutional ‘coalition districts’” because they’re racially drawn.

Texas lawmakers will discuss the THC Ban, early warning systems for flood prone areas, and eliminating the STAAR test during this upcoming special session at the state capitol.

By taking up new congressional maps pushed by President Trump first, Republicans hope to discourage Democrats from walking out of a special session before they vote on flood relief.

Texas lawmakers’ inaction on flood prevention often hits rural and economically disadvantaged communities the hardest, experts said.

Eight-year-old girls at sleep-away camp, families crammed into recreational vehicles, local residents traveling to or from work. These are some of the victims.

Integral Care's van, which began being used in June, gets its first big test following floods and has helped about 300 people.