UPDATE: House lawmakers pass Congressional Redistricting bill
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Overnight Wednesday, House lawmakers have passed a bill focusing on Congressional Redistricting, with a vote of 74 to 37. The bill now heads to the Senate.
On Tuesday, lawmakers returned to the State House for another long day, as the debate and divide over Congressional Redistricting continues in the SC House of Representatives.
The clock, meanwhile, continues to tick closer to the June Congressional primaries.
Tuesday morning began with a press conference held by members of the SC Black Caucus.
“The rules were changed so we could not ask questions we knew needed to be asked,” says Democratic Rep. Annie McDaniel, adding that there were over 600 amendments raised on Monday, before lawmakers were told the rules were changing.
Instead, each representative would be allowed to bring one amendment before the House.
“Now we’re operating on DC’s rules. They decided to cheat. Because we know Donald Trump likes to cheat as well. They decided to change the rules mid game,” says Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson, adding, “Early voting starts next Tuesday. Let’s show up and win this election early.”
“It’s just, what would you like to say, theatrics? For the public?” says Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, adding,” I believe that SC is doing exactly what its people want. We’re gonna get through this process. It’s gonna be fair. We are going to redistrict. And we’re gonna send seven Republicans to D.C.”
“The House rules provide that when necessary, the rules committee can adopt a resolution that specifies the time, place, and manner of debate. It’s a provision that’s not often used, but it was one that was adopted recently with the support, the unanimous support, of all House Democrats,” says Republican Rep. Micah Caskey.
Conway Belangia with the SC Election Commission says about 10,000 absentee ballots have already gone out in the mail.
The Senate Full Judiciary Committee will begin the redistricting debate on Wednesday at 2 pm.
