Utah, D.C., Civil Rights Leaders Focus on New Solution to Judiciary Concerns - September 14, 2006

Norton Says Utah, D.C. and Civil Rights Leadership Focus On a New Solution to Meet Judiciary Committee Concerns
September 14, 2006

Washington, DC- Following the Judiciary subcommittee hearing this afternoon on the new House voting rights bill, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), staff of Utah members and civil rights leaders met to discuss the next steps. Norton said that there was concern when she learned yesterday indirectly that the plan for an at-large seat for Utah, a central feature of the bipartisan bill to avoid any redistricting controversies, might well be amended later in the Judiciary Committee. She had begun to think of solutions and was considering three or four different approaches. In the post-hearing meeting, it was decided that the best approach was to try an altogether different approach in order to meet the concerns of the Committee while assuring bipartisan agreement. Norton said, "I am convinced that the problem-solving approach we are using can work. Both Utah and D.C. want this bill badly, and there is no reason for leadership on both sides to be any less desirous of a bipartisan solution that would give each side one new member of the House." Norton said that she expects the homework on the new solution to be done by next week.