Contact Congress about H.R. 5426: John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

States with more than one House seat would have to use independent commissions to draw congressional districts. They could redraw those maps only once per decade, unless a court orders a fix for a legal problem. The rules would start after the 2030 census.

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John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Latest action on H.R. 5426: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects voters in states with more than one U.S. House district, because it changes who draws the lines that decide their congressional districts. It also affects state lawmakers, governors, courts, election officials, and people who want to take part in redistricting. States with only one House seat would not draw multiple congressional districts, so most of these rules would not matter for them.

Why this matters: This bill matters because congressional district lines help decide who represents people in the U.S. House, and this bill changes who controls those lines. It would move map drawing away from state legislatures and toward independent commissions, with courts acting as a backup. The bill could make maps more stable by stopping most mid-decade redraws. It could also make the process more open, though the real effect would depend on how each state runs its commission and how much the public uses the tools.

Key provisions in H.R. 5426

• States could redraw U.S. House districts only once after each 10-year census. A court could still order a new map to fix a problem under the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act.
• Every state with more than one U.S. House seat would have to create an independent redistricting commission after each census. That commission would draw the state’s congressional districts.
• Commission members would have to be registered voters. They could not have recently held political office or worked for a party for four years, and they would have to promise not to run for Congress until after the next reapportionment.
• Commissions would have to follow clear map rules. Districts must have equal population, follow federal law including the Voting Rights Act, keep counties and cities together when possible, and be compact and connected.
• Commissions could not use party labels, past voting results, or current House members’ home addresses when drawing maps. They could use that information only when needed for the Voting Rights Act or some state laws on competitive districts.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5426

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5426

What is H.R. 5426?

States with more than one House seat would have to use independent commissions to draw congressional districts. They could redraw those maps only once per decade, unless a court orders a fix for a legal problem. The rules would start after the 2030 census.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5426?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5426?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5426 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.