How are Texas Democrats paying for their trip to Washington as they block voting bills? Fort Worth Star-Telegram 1 hr ago Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Jul. 14—Texas Republicans have railed against Democrats' efforts to block election legislation, calling their trip to Washington a "taxpayer-paid junket" and an "all-expense paid vacation," but House lawmakers say the stay is being paid for with donations. The lawmakers do get a per diem during the legislative session, but some Democrats say they don't plan to accept funds while they're in the nation's capital. "All this is entirely funded through donations," said House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner during a Wednesday news conference. "Our caucus and all of the caucuses raise money. ... We're able to raise money now and we are actively raising money to be able to support transportation, lodging, the necessities while we're away from Texas."