HARRISBURG – A resolution to prevent partisan attempts to expand the US Supreme Court and a bill to codify population data for congressional redistricting were passed by the Senate State Government Committee this week, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill), the committee’s chairman.
“The State Government Committee continued its bipartisan work to improve how our government functions this week,” said Argall. “Senate Resolution 67 in particular helps protect the separation of powers of our federal government and ensures the highest level of our judicial system does not fall victim to partisanship.”
At the conclusion of the hearing, Senator Argall and Senator Street, the Committee’s Democratic minority chairman, issued a joint statement addressing congressional redistricting. Both Senators renewed their commitment to drawing a fair, bipartisan map that can be approved by the Senate and the House, signed by the Governor, and upheld by the State Supreme Court.
Senate Resolution 67, sponsored by Senator Cris Dush (R-Jefferson), calls for a convention of states to amend the US Constitution for the sole purpose of keeping the number of US Supreme Court justices at nine.
Senate Bill 992 codifies the population data set to be used for congressional redistricting. Senator Argall has stated he expects the committee to consider a map in the coming weeks, with ample time for public review.
The committee also advanced House Bill 1823, which moves the administration of the Washington Crossing Historic Park to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and the nomination of George Burrell for reappointment to the Philadelphia Board of Claims.
Contact: Jim Brugger 717.787.2637