By KRWG News
Texas – The Republican-controlled Texas Senate has approved a new congressional voting map for the Lone Star State, sending it to Gov. Rick Perry for his approval.
The map was drawn to reflect population changes over the last 10 years, but also with the goal of protecting the GOP's 23-9 majority in the Texas delegation in Washington.
More than 87 percent of the state's growth this year has been among minorities, leading civil rights activists to demand more representation for those groups.
The map was approved without debate Monday. Democrats have complained it violates the federal Voting Rights Act by splitting Latino and black communities and diluting their voting power.
Redistricting efforts are typically challenged in court and Republicans say they expect multiple lawsuits.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.