Pennsylvania House Republicans support a legislation to amend the state Constitution to create a commission responsible for redrawing congressional district maps.
On Wednesday, the House State Government Committee passed HB 722 with 15-11 votes. The bill would establish an Independent Redistricting Commission composed of six members. The commission’s job is to produce new boundaries for congressional districts every ten years.
Under HB 722, the Republican and Democratic caucuses in the state House and Senate will choose one member to serve in the Redistricting Commission. The entire House and Senate will select the fifth and sixth members.
Redistricting Commission is bipartisan and transparent
In a statement, House State Government Committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) said the Commission is “bipartisan and transparent.” It is “truly representative of all Pennsylvania voters.”
In addition, Rep. Metcalfe said “With a citizen redistricting commission…the interests of all Pennsylvanians would be taken into account.” He explained that members of both majority and minority caucuses will need to vote on any plan approved by the Commission.
