Dear Representative:
U.S. PIRG writes to renew our call for your support for H.R. 5388, D.C. Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act. The bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support giving Congress an historic opportunity to ensure all Americans are fairly represented.
We urge you to act now to take advantage of the support for this measure across party lines. The Utah state legislature met yesterday to adopt a new map for the state’s congressional districts should Congress approve H.R. 5388. As adopted, the plan opens the door to a bi-partisan distribution of new congressional seats, one each for Utah and the District.
We recognize that political considerations regarding the balance of power in Congress have blocked earlier proposals. And while we believe furthering fundamental democratic principles should outweigh short term political considerations, H.R. 5388 offers an honest solution to the problem. The bill provides new thinking and a fair approach to a problem that has been historically beset by political obstacles.
One of the clear messages in this election was a call for a more bipartisan approach to governing. In addition to righting a wrong, H.R. 5388 sends a powerful message to voters that members are willing to work together on creative solutions to long-term and previously intractable problems.
For too long D.C. residents have been bystanders to the decisions of a national government that operates around them. When people learn of the District’s status, they strongly support change. It is an issue that goes to the fundamental sense of fairness shared by all Americans.
We strongly urge your support for D.C. voting rights in the final session of the 109th Congress.
Sincerely,
Gary Kalman
Democracy Advocate
