Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act (HR 2642)

The 2004 Presidential race was one of the closest elections in our nation’s history. On that same Election Day, however, most U.S. House races were much less competitive. Because of political gerrymandering, only 5 percent of Congressional incumbents lost their seats in that election, fewer turnovers than in the Soviet Politburo. Today a healthy, un-indicted incumbent in the House of Representatives stands a 99% chance of being re-elected, and out of 435 seats in the House, no more than 36 are truly competitive. All Americans would be better served by a more competitive system.

We have introduced the Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act, which would set national standards for bipartisan commissions to draw each state’s Congressional district maps every 10 years and restrict the redrawing of Congressional districts for partisan gain. Passage of this bill would reduce political gerrymandering and return the House of Representatives back to the hands of the voters.

Related News:

• It's Up to Congress to Fix Redistricting, Lawmakers and Reform Advocates Say (July 18, 2006)

• Tanner: Supreme Court Ruling Affirms Polarization that Cripples Congress' Work (June 28, 2006)

• Tanner Redistricting Bill Similar to '89 Sensenbrenner Proposal; Chairman Urged to Hold Hearing (Nov. 2, 2005)

• Tanner Seeks to End Gerrymandering; Bipartisan Support Grows with Party for Elbridge Gerry's 261st Birthday (July 20, 2005)
  READ THE STORY or SEE MORE FROM THE PARTY

• 'Put Congress Back in the Hands of the People': Tanner Bill Addresses Partisan Redistricting Efforts (May 25, 2005)

Resources:

• Summary of HR 2642
• Text of HR 2642
• Status and Co-Sponsorship of HR 2642
• FairVote -- The Center for Voting and Democracy
• Common Cause