Dem bill would require independent commissions to redraw congressional districts

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and six other House Democrats have put forward legislation that would prevent state-level politicians from redrawing congressional districts. Instead, they would have be redrawn after each nationwide Census by an independent commission.

Cohen said his bill would help prevent the partisan redistricting of states, which many Democrats and Republicans have said creates districts that favor one party or another and allows hyper-partisan candidates to get elected.

"It's time to take politics out of the redistricting process," Cohen said. "Congress is so polarized today that we're unable to find common ground on the major issues facing our country.

"Instead of solving our nation's problems, Congress is just kicking the can down the road and waiting until the next election for answers. I believe that if we eliminate the gerrymandering of districts we will help get more accomplished for our country."

Under the bill, H.R. 278, states would have to hand over the task of redistricting to an independent commission that emphasizes geographical contiguity and compactness of districts. Current districts are often contorted to collect certain voters into a single district.

Once the commission makes a recommendation, state legislatures and governors could approve it or reject it, but not amend it. The bill also has procedures in place to let courts make redistricting decisions if no plan is approved by the state.

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