Congressman Cohen Introduces the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) ACT

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) Act, which would require states to remove politics from the their congressional apportionment and require independent redistricting commissions. The measure is named for former Tennessee Congressmen John Tanner and Jim Cooper who for decades championed an end to partisan gerrymandering.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Donald Trump and the Republican Party are in the process of a mid-cycle redistricting push, explicitly for partisan political gain and to extend control of the House. They have put power over representative government, subverting our democracy. We must fight back. In the short run, we need to neutralize this blatant power grab. Longer term, we need to improve our systems and ensure our elected leaders are representative of - and responsive to - the people. As the New York Times Editorial Board recently wrote, 'Fairness means striving for congressional delegations and state legislatures that reflect the people they represent.'"

Starting after the 2030 census, the FAIR Act would require each state to appoint an independent and transparent congressional redistricting commission. The commission would be charged with creating a redistricting plan that emphasizes geographical contiguity and compactness of districts rather than political affiliations or the impact a district's lines may have on incumbent representatives.

The state legislature and the governor may approve or reject the commission's plan, but may not amend it. If the governor does not sign into law a plan by November 1^st in the year before a congressional reapportionment, the commission may forward plans to the state's highest court, which may select a plan without amendments. If the state court is unable to select a plan, the federal district court must develop and publish a final redistricting plan. The bill also prohibits a state from redistricting until after the next census unless it is under court order to do so.

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