Whenever Discovery Channel needs another episode of "Bait Car", they go to Sheila Jackson Lee (D-umb) district. All the while, Sheila Jackson Lee is still looking for the flag that Neil Armstrong planted on Mars.

New congressional district map sent to Gov. Perry

By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press 2011 The Associated Press
June 20, 2011, 3:21PM

AUSTIN, Texas — The Republican-controlled Texas Senate approved a new congressional district map for the state Monday and sent it to Gov. Rick Perry for his approval.

The map was drawn to reflect population changes and increases during the past 10 years as measured by last year's Census, but also with the goal of protecting and possibly expanding the GOP's 23-9 majority in Texas' delegation in Washington.

The new map adds four seats to reflect population growth. More than 87 percent of the state's growth has been among minorities, and activists have called for more representation for those groups.

The map was approved 19-12 along party lines and without debate. Democrats have complained the new map violates the federal Voting Rights Act by splitting Latino and black communities and diluting their voting power.

If Perry, a Republican, signs the map into law, it will go to the Department of Justice for review. The Voting Rights Act requires Texas to make sure the map does not diminish minority representation.
Groups opposing the map can file lawsuits in federal court, where alternative maps can be introduced and considered by the judge. Republicans have said they expect multiple lawsuits.

Democrats have complained the map splits the Austin area into five different districts, denying the most Democratic part of the state a single seat and making it difficult for U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett to get re-elected.
Monday's vote was quiet compared to the redistricting fight of 2003 when then-U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay led a Republican power play to break Democrats' hold on the delegation.

The struggle prompted two walkouts by legislative Democrats to Ardmore, Okla., and Albuquerque, New Mex., before Republicans succeeded.