Rep. Frank Niceley’s bill authorize reapportionment of congressional districts every two years and set up a “joint legislative committee on congressional communications” has failed in a House subcommittee on a tie vote – three Republicans for it, three Democrats against it.
Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, said the idea behind the bill (HB3510) is that an “out of control” Congress now pays little or no attention to state legislators wishes.
Under his plan, a joint House-Senate committee of state legislators would be assigned to meet annually with the state’s congressional delegation, periodically presenting them with a legislature-passed resolution telling them “things we want Congress to do and things we don’t want Congress to do.”
If congressmen, “fail to show respect for this institution (the legislature)” by failing to follow legislator wishes, they would be subject to being redistricted. Niceley called it a political “hard ball” approach. (Earlier story, HERE)
Niceley asked for a roll call for on the bill, saying, “Let the Tea Party boys see who’s voting no here.”
Those voting for the bill were Republicans Joe Carr of Lascassas, Ryan Haynes of Knoxville and Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga. Those voting no were Democrats Ty Cobb of Columbia, John Litz of Morristown and Mary Pruitt of Nashville.
