A bipartisan resolution recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) called on the House of Representatives to remove gerrymandering from the congressional redistricting process.
The resolution, which Fitzpatrick introduced with U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), notes that gerrymandering reduces electoral competition, diminishes representation, decreases public trust in congressional elections and is generally harmful to democracy.
“Partisan gerrymandering has exacerbated electoral complacency that causes lawmakers to focus on accumulating power rather than serving constituents, and contributed to the growing divide of partisanship that grinds the gears of government to a halt,” Fitzpatrick, a former FBI anti-corruption special agent, said. “The American people need fewer politicians and more independent voices focused on serving. Redistricting reform is a crucial, bipartisan step to ensuring our government remains one of, by and for the people — not just political elites.”
Currently, congressional districts can be drawn to protect incumbent seats by whatever party holds a statewide majority. This results in “gerrymandering,” where districts are created to encompass certain areas in order to obtain a desired combination of voters and ensure a certain party’s candidates have an electoral advantage.
While states like Ohio and California have made strides to alleviate gerrymandering through independent redistricting commissions, the resolution states, “It is the sense of the House of Representatives that congressional redistricting should be reformed to remove political gerrymandering.”
“The political gerrymandering of our congressional districts — which attacks at the bedrock right of every American to fair representation — has seriously undermined the public’s trust in our democratic system,” Lowenthal, who led redistricting reforms in California, said. “It is time to get the back room out of the ballot box.”
In January, Fitzpatrick introduced the Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform (CLEAN) Act, H.R. 145, which would require all redistricting to be done by independent, non-partisan commissions.
H.R. 145 also outlines additional steps to reform government like ending congressional pensions for life, requiring Congress to act on single-issue legislation, ensuring that laws apply to Congress, and allowing independents or unaffiliated voters access to political party primaries.