Rep. Lofgren Introduces Redistricting Reform Act of 2007

May 9, 2007

Bill Requires Individual States to Establish Independent Redistricting Commissions

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today introduced the Redistricting Reform Act of 2007, which limits redistricting to once every ten years and require all states to establish independent redistricting commissions. The bill would end the current state-by-state piecemeal approach to redistricting by establishing a national standard governing the creation and operation of independent bipartisan redistricting commissions. The bill also includes language reinforcing the requirements of the Voting Rights Act and creates streamlined judicial procedures for resolving all cases challenging redistricting plans.

The bill is cosponsored by 22 members of congress, including Reps: Jim Costa (D-CA); Bob Filner (D-CA); Tom Lantos (D-CA); Betty McCollum (D-MN); Jerry McNerney (D-CA); George Miller (D-CA); Hilda Solis (D-CA); Ellen Tauscher (D-CA); and, Henry Waxman (D-CA).

The Redistricting Reform Act of 2007 would establish independent bipartisan redistricting commissions in every state by mandating that:

Each party's representatives on the commission are chosen by members of the opposing party.

Commissions must also include members who are not affiliated with either major party.

Commission members may not hold elected office and are prohibited from doing so until the next redistricting.

Redistricting commissions must conduct public meetings and solicit public comment for consideration.

“The Redistricting Reform Act of 2007 will help ensure that a consistent system in every state is used for redistricting,” stated Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “An ad-hoc state by state approach rewards those that have used, and will continue to use, redistricting as a partisan political tool. By requiring nationwide independent commissions, we level the playing field for all, regardless of political party. A comprehensive redistricting commission approach will promote an open, fair, and depoliticized process.”

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her seventh term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She also Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.