The Texas House of Representatives gaveled back into session Wednesday morning with the controversial proposal to redraw congressional maps up for a vote after Democrats fled the state to protest the earlier attempt to bring the bill to the floor.

Former President Barack Obama said Tuesday that he supported a proposal by California Democrats to redraw congressional lines in response to a Republican-led push in Texas to gain additional US House seats but expressed unease with the broader effects of political gerrymandering.

After weeks of delays, Texas Republicans who control the state House are slated to begin the process for their controversial redistricting plan.