Critics say the governor is using relief dollars as leverage and political cover to push through President Trump's redistricting plan.

"Texas House Democrats will issue our demands for a second special session on Friday," Democratic leader Gene Wu wrote. "Abbott can choose to govern for Texas families, or he can keep serving Trump and face the consequences we've unleashed nationwide.

Texas Republican Governor Gregg Abbott has warned Democrats that he could "eliminate" 10 of his state's 12 Democratic-held seats if the two parties were to launch a nationwide battle to redraw congressional maps.