BLUE DOGS ENDORSE TANNER'S 'FAIR ACT'

Group Hails Legislation as Critical to Reforming Government, Restoring Bipartisanship in Congress

WASHINGTON – Members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition announced their official endorsement of the bipartisan, bicameral Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) Act, H.R. 3025, a measure spearheaded by Blue Dog founding member Representative John Tanner of Tennessee. The Blue Dogs have long advocated for this critical piece of legislation, which would take much needed steps toward putting an end to gerrymandering – the political power grab that too often cripples Congress’ ability to work together on bipartisan solutions.

Tanner is a long-time advocate of redistricting reform, having first introduced similar legislation in 2005 during the 109th Congress, then again in the 110th and 111th Congresses.

“The bill we introduced with Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) and Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) is important to the Blue Dog Coalition, because we understand how crucial it is to find bipartisan, common-sense solutions to the challenges facing the American people,” Tanner said. “Under the current system, many Members of Congress are accountable only to the constituents within their own party. The resulting political polarization is counter-productive to meeting our country’s collective goals, including economic recovery, health care, energy independence and fiscal responsibility.”

The FAIR Act sets minimum national guidelines for states to follow in drawing Congressional district lines. A bipartisan commission in each state would draw that state’s Congressional map exactly once every 10 years, following the release of new Census data. Districts would be drawn to adhere to the Voting Rights Act, equal population, geography and local boundaries. The legislation only affects Congressional districts and does not address district lines for state and local elections.

“Redrawing congressional district maps for political gain divides communities, polarizes voters along partisan lines, and silences the constituency,” said Representative Allen Boyd (D-FL). “Congressional districts should represent communities of interest without regard to party affiliation so that the American people can be truly and effectively represented. Congressman Tanner’s bill is a fair and sensible solution to ensure that congressional districts are drawn without political influence.”

“When politicians carve up Congressional districts for partisan interests, democracy suffers,” said Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN) said. “Gerrymandering is backroom politics at its ugliest: it protects incumbents, increases partisanship and stifles the will of the people. The FAIR Act will solve these problems by putting decisions about district lines in the hands of unbiased judges.”

“I applaud and thank John Tanner for his continued efforts on this front,” said Representative Baron Hill (D-IN), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy. “All too often redistricting is plagued by partisan politics, and this bill seeks to remove that from this process.”

Representative Allen Boyd (D-FL), Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Representative Baron Hill (D-IN) are leading members of the Blue Dog Coalition and original cosponsors of the FAIR Act.

The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Currently there are 52 members of the Blue Dog Coalition. For more information, visit the Blue Dog Website at http://www.house.gov/melancon/BlueDogs/.

Tanner represents the 8th Congressional District in West and Middle Tennessee. Co-founder of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, Tanner serves on the Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the Social Security Subcommittee, and on the Foreign Affairs Committee. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Tennessee Army National Guard, Tanner chairs the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and is serving a two-year term as NATO PA President.

# # #