INDIANAPOLIS, IND – (WOWO)  — Indiana Senate Republicans are moving quickly on a proposed redistricting bill that reshapes multiple congressional districts, including a major realignment of Marion County. Despite extensive public testimony, Senator Liz Brown emphasized that the process is a legitimate political decision and defended the proposed map during Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee.

“Probably the biggest controversy for the Democrats is how Marion County is in other districts, something they actually advocated for,” Brown said. “The current congressman has a very compact district, totally within Marion County. But the Democrats have a short memory… 20 years ago, they divided up Marion County into multiple districts. So this is not something new for them. It’s just not their idea this time.”

Lawmakers heard from 127 individuals during public testimony, illustrating the strong opinions on both sides. Brown described the testimony as overwhelmingly partisan. “There was a little bit of the issue about Marion County. The Democrats have tried to say it’s racist, et cetera. And the Republicans have made it quite clear that it’s a political decision and we’re allowed to make those political decisions,” she said. Brown added that supporters of redistricting turned out in force to ensure their voices were heard. “They wanted to make sure that the senators understood that this was important to them and have their voices heard, too.”

When asked about the role of public input in shaping the bill, Brown stressed that the focus is on the constituents who elected the Republican majority. “Overwhelming, those in opposition to this are the Democrats. And you listen to them, but let’s be clear, they’re not voting for us. The people who voted us in these offices are conservative Republicans, and they want this to happen,” she said.

The bill passed the Senate committee 6–3 on Monday, and Brown said the chamber expects to proceed through second and third readings quickly. “Fortunately, there are only 10 Democrats on our side, so it’ll be a little less of a circus. They’ll probably have amendments, and we will plan on defeating all of those,” she said. “We’re good with the maps now. And also when you amend this bill… the House has to come in, has to reconcile it. And that makes it a little more problematic when we’re in this short session.”

Brown confirmed that the Senate aims for a final vote before the end of the week. “Oh, yeah… there’ll be final passage on Thursday,” she said. She dismissed the possibility of procedural delays, noting that there are time limits on debate and that previous procedural challenges had been defeated. “So I don’t think there’ll be any funny business that can happen,” Brown said.

Regarding internal discussions, Brown said Republican lawmakers are focused on maintaining unity and ensuring passage of the bill. “Those of us who’ve been in favor all along are trying to bolster those who are coming around to our side and get them to stay strong,” she said. Brown also observed that protesters at the Statehouse were more respectful than in past sessions. “Even the protesters were kind of lackadaisical, more respectful, and I think that sort of set the tone. Let’s get this done.”

Summing up the legislative effort, Brown emphasized the importance of Indiana maintaining a strong voice in Congress. “If they want Indiana voices… to be able to continue to fight for Indiana values and also to have Indiana recognized and the programs and benefits that we deserve… then they should be wholly supportive of that,” she said. “We understand that and that’s what we’re trying to do this week.”