House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) praised the passage of the Equal Representation Act in Congress, highlighting the importance of proactively safeguarding a fair electoral process. The legislation, spearheaded by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), aims to uphold America’s democracy and electoral integrity by including a citizenship question in the upcoming U.S. census. This measure, known as the “Equal Representation Act,” passed with a vote of 206-202 along party lines.
The proposed change would require the Census Bureau to inquire about the citizenship status of respondents, ensuring that only American citizens are considered when determining congressional seat apportionment and Electoral College votes. Data gathered from this question would provide policymakers with crucial information on the citizenship makeup of the U.S. population, enhancing the accuracy of representation in Congress and presidential elections.
Rep. Edwards emphasized the necessity of counting only citizens for apportionment purposes, citing the impact of including illegal aliens in the allocation of House seats and electoral votes. A study by the Center for Immigration Studies estimated that non-citizens affect the distribution of 26 House seats, prompting concerns about the undermining of American democracy.
Supporters of the bill believe that adding a citizenship question to the census is essential for ensuring fair representation and electoral integrity. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) highlighted the need to address sanctuary policies that violate federal immigration laws and impact congressional representation.
While the measure received approval from conservatives, civil rights groups, Democrats, and the White House expressed opposition, questioning its legality under the Constitution. The Biden administration strongly opposes the Equal Representation Act, citing concerns about impeding the Census Bureau’s constitutional duty to count all persons in the U.S. The administration also raised issues regarding the increased cost of conducting the census and the potential violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Despite the controversy surrounding the bill, its supporters believe that incorporating a citizenship question in the census is crucial for upholding the integrity of America’s electoral process. With differing perspectives on the matter, the debate over the Equal Representation Act underscores the ongoing discussions about representation, citizenship, and electoral fairness in the United States.
Could you please rewrite this passage?
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