Rep. Lofgren Calls for Passage of National Redistricting Bill

November 10, 2005

Redistricting Reform Act would Create Independent, Bi-partisan Commissions in Every State

Media Contact: Kyra Jennings, 202.225.3072

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) calls on Congress to pass H.R. 4094, the Redistricting Reform Act of 2005, which would require states to conduct redistricting through independent, bi-partisan commissions and prohibit mid-decade redistricting efforts. The legislation is co-sponsored by 25 members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. The proposal, introduced by Rep. Lofgren on October 20th, also requires commissioners to uphold minority voting rights and communities of interests when drawing Congressional districts.

“This bill would achieve real redistricting reform across the country, creating a redistricting effort that respects and represents all communities and ensures that the process is as open, fair, and depoliticized as possible,” Rep. Lofgren said. “Unlike Governor Schwarzenegger’s failed redistricting scheme, H.R. 4094 is even-handed, creating impartial rules that do not put one party or state at a disadvantage and will make sure all voters’ interests are recognized.”

Under H.R. 4094, each state would be required to establish an independent, bi-partisan redistricting commission of at least five members to draw that state’s Congressional district map one time after each decennial census. The Majority and Minority parties in both the upper and lower houses of the state legislature would appoint an even number of commissioners, who would then elect an additional commissioner to serve as the panel’s chair. Commission members may not reside in the same county as any other member and are limited in their past and future political involvement.

Redistricting commissions would be required to respect the minority voting rights established by the Constitution and Voting Rights Act, as well as communities of interest, population, and geography when drawing each district. Commission meetings would be conducted publicly and the commission’s report would have to be approved by the Governor and the state legislature without amendment. H.R. 4094 would go into effect upon the date of enactment.