Democratic lawmakers in Texas left the state Monday in an attempt to delay a vote on restrictive voting laws by the Republican-controlled legislature.

The plane carrying a majority of state House members left Austin for Washington, D.C. This move will impede the legislation process as Republicans were planning a massive overhaul to the state’s current election procedures.

“Today by blocking a quorum to block Abbott’s attack on voters, Texas Democrats are making history,” said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa.

“Democrats are fighting back with everything we’ve got, we are not going to stand by and watch Republicans slash our right to vote, silence the voices of Texans of color, and destroy our democracy so they can preserve their own power,” Hinojosa said.

Five Texas House Democrats released a statement about the move to delay the vote.

“Today, Texas House Democrats stand united in our decision to break quorum and refuse the Republican-led legislature force through dangerous legislation that would trample on Texans freedom to vote," the statement read.

A similar walkout by Texas Democrats took place in 2003 to prevent a redistricting plan intended to help Republicans win more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.