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Interactive Timeline: Rep. David Simpson

Rep. David Simpson, a conservative Tea Party freshman from Longview, stood out in the Texas 82nd legislative session for his principled stance on limited government. His actions stirred criticism, laughs and curiosity from fellow lawmakers. Check out this interactive timeline with links to stories, videos and documents to take a look back at the waves Simpson made in the Texas Legislature.

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State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, talks to a colleague on the House floor on May 16, 2011.
Credit: Bob Daemmrich

Rep. David Simpson, a conservative Tea Party freshman from Longview, stood out in the Texas 82nd legislative session for his principled stance on limited government. His actions stirred criticism, laughs and curiosity from fellow lawmakers. Check out this interactive timeline with links to stories, videos and documents to take a look back at the waves Simpson made in the Texas Legislature. 

I’m so thankful for the first time in my life the Constitution is an issue in politics today. Father, we plead with you that you would give us a Godly, humble, leader of the Texas house, at a prayer vigil before the vote for Speaker. He was one of 15 Republicans to vote against Straus.I have nothing against the promotion of the arts, but Austin is doing well on its own. It's the music capital of the world, and we put the weak among us, those who are dependent, first.

Why is this being singled out when there are a multitude of things that distract us while driving? …I’m concerned about limiting freedom and making people criminals for just reading an electronic message

I was hoping the Speaker would rule and say, Look, these don’t deserve to be on local and consent. They’re not without controversy. They were opposed in committee and they affect the whole state

Simpson spoke on the floor for 10 minutes about the bill, which, by House rules, forced the bill off the Local and Consent calendar.

Most of us learned, who’ve been around here, [that] you make your point and then you sit down. You don’t continue until you become annoying, said Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Port Arthur. And he’s become annoying to a lot of members

It will really establish, and I don’t mean to be funny, a dog Gestapo

We’re saying that the Fourth Amendment should be enforced and we’re saying that here in Texas that it’s unreasonable to touch people in their private parts without probable cause Simpson speaking on Alex Jones’ InfoWars radio show on passage of House Bill 1937 in the Housea visibly angry state Rep. Lois Kolkhost, R-Brenham, shamed her colleague, reminding him that thousands of Texans die each year from cancer. This is out of bounds, she said. I ask you to show some decorum

They’re basically saying, unless you allow us to grope your genitals, you can’t fly. I hope Texans would say come and show us the law. This is a Gonzalez moment. Come and take itSimpson responds to letter from U.S. Department of JusticeMy point there is that God created all things… We shouldn’t be banning things. Things are not the problem, just like guns. You don’t solve murders by getting rid of guns.

The Constitution calls to support public schools. It does not require that we promote special interests

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State government 82nd Legislative Session Texas Legislature