From Deseret News archives:
4th-seat issue going before the full House
The committee passed "The District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007" with a 21-13 vote, with a House floor voted expected before the end of the month when Congress goes on its spring recess.
The bill would give Utah an at-large seat in Congress as part of a bipartisan deal in exchange for House voting rights to the District of Columbia. This way neither the Democrats nor Republicans get a political advantage, because Utah's seat would likely go to a Republican while the district's seat would likely go to a Democrat, according to the bill's supporters. Utah missed getting a new seat after the 2000 Census, but it is likely to get one after 2010. The district has not had a vote in Congress since 1801.
Republicans made numerous attempts to amend the bill, although all failed, including one by Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah.
Cannon wanted to change the at-large portion of the bill, giving the state of Utah the option to use a new four-district map approved at the end of last year and whatever else it would decide to do.
Other failed amendments would have kept the changes from taking effect until the 112th or 113th session, pushing it years beyond the current 110th session, while others would have made a congressional district out of every military base.
Cannon was one of only two Republicans who voted for the bill. DC Vote executive director Ilir Zherka was surprised to see Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., vote for the bill, which he said will be persuasive for other Republicans. He is sure the bill will pass the House but is not sure on the "margin of victory."
"It was a grueling day and we're glad that it's over," Zherka said.
The fight will then move to the Senate, where Zherka admitted they do not yet have the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster on a bill but said they are working on it.
E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com
Comments
- Patriots, Colts tied after 1st quarter 7:28 p.m.
- Abdul-Jabbar surprised by reaction 7:12 p.m.
- Packers defense big in win 7:01 p.m.
- Nowitzki leads Mavs past Pistons 6:51 p.m.
- Cardinals rally for 31-20 win 6:31 p.m.
- Layton home has $100K in damages 6:24 p.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 6:21 p.m.
- It was past time for Dobbs to go 6:11 p.m.
- Lessons from tempting the universe 6:11 p.m.
- Web surfers spill their guts on Net 6:11 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
363 - BYU happy to escape with victory
226 - TCU creams U.
219 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
203 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
133 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - RSL heads to MLS title game
119 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
Good thing the Utes won't be facing a superior opponent on the road in 2 weeks.
I will never understand why Republicans insist on eating their own.
Even though this article highlighted research about Former-Governor Palin's...
Thanks be to God! I am encouraged to see the Church embracing social justice....
hee hee Locke is "21st century" "jazz by 7" "jazz by 9" I am going...
Actually the LDS church didn't start saying or writing that homosexuality was...
@Chisty, You need to stick you head out of Utah, and realize 5 states have...
I suppose few people, especially from the left, will pay any attention to...
Have those people that criticize federal stimulus spending ever taken...
Re: Huh, why do you have to throw a wet blanket on such a great moment? That...

You can be the first to comment on this story.