Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) co-sponsored the Anti-Rigging Act, H.R. 4358 that Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced.  This bill to ban the practice of mid-decade redistricting unless courts require it pursuant to the Voting Rights Act.  The introduction of the bill comes as Texas Governor Greg Abbott added congressional redistricting to the special legislative session, which is scheduled to begin on July 21.

“Mid-decade redistricting is disrespectful to citizens, no matter their political affiliation, and is a betrayal of our democratic principle that all citizens should have a say in our government,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Once a decade, redistricting takes place not for politicians but for citizens.  Politicians should not trade their constituents to maximize partisan political advantage.  They deserve—and should expect—better from those elected to serve them.

“It is important to counter efforts like the current effort in Texas that undermine the fundamental principle that the people of the United States have the right and the ability to have a say in our agreement,” concluded Congresswoman Fletcher.

“This move by Governor Abbott does Trump’s bidding, not for any legitimate constitutional purpose as they claim, but to attempt to win an election before the first ballot has been cast.  Hiding it under flood relief from the victims to use them as political cover to rig an election is disgusting. Abbott and his overlord Trump are not the leaders Texans deserve or need,” Congressman Veasey, Co-chair of the Voting Rights Caucus said. “It is cynical, racist, and with clear political intent. This bill would ensure it could never happen again. They can’t win on policies because they’ve stripped millions of health care, so they are resorting to their classic playbook: cheating.”

Congresswoman Fletcher is a member of the Voting Rights Caucus.

To view the full text of the bill, click here.