Eva M. Clayton: “I am glad to join with my colleagues to address the important issue of redistricting. Let me first thank the co-chairs…”

“I am glad to join with my colleagues to address the important issue of redistricting. Let me first thank the co-chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus redistricting task force, the gentlemen from Louisiana for their leadership on this important issue. It is necessary that we all understand that redrawing district lines for representation is not new. District lines are drawn for the purpose of making sure representation is fair and afforded to all citizens. This has always been the intent of district lines. In and of itself district lines are race neutral. Congressional district lines which now are the center of court hearings in 4 Southern States are being woefully described in terms other than for what they truly represent. We have seen over the past several years increased diversity of the city councils, boards of county commissioners, State legislatures, judicial appointments and the Congress as a direct result of district representation. This increased representation by blacks and other ethnic minorities has strengthened the true meaning of representative government.”