House debates new proposed 10D-1R congressional map

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time, Virginia lawmakers debated Democrats’ new proposed congressional map on Monday. 

“Literally, we cannot afford to just sit there and let them have the power grab,” said Delegate Cia Price (D-Newport News) on the House floor Monday. 

“Do your jobs, don’t lie,” said Delegate Tom Garrett (R-Buckingham). “You're entitled to your own opinions, you’re not entitled to your own facts.”

The map, which was unveiled late last week, creates 10 districts that favor Democrats and only one that favors a Republican.

Democrats said after several Republican states redrew their congressional maps, Virginia was obligated to act. 

“Donald Trump is trying to rig it because his policies and his ideas, and his governing is so bad. Everybody knows it,” House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) told 8News. 

However, House Republicans said the map will effectively ensure rural Virginians aren’t represented in Congress. 

“From Augusta through Culpepper down to Cumberland, through Powhatan, you get to be represented by the third Congressman from Fairfax,” said House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-Scott), referring to the fact that five of the proposed districts contain parts of Fairfax County. 

Several things still need to happen before the new map can go into effect. 

First, the Supreme Court of Virginia would need to side with Democrats on appeal and rule that Democrats’ redistricting efforts are legal. 

Second, voters would have to approve of a proposed constitutional amendment to give Democrats the power to take up mid-decade redistricting in April. 

Finally, the new map would have to make its way through the legislative process. Final passage in the House is expected on Tuesday.