Breaking Down the Problem Solvers MAPS Act (H.R. 10379)

In Episode 26 of Bill Brief, I take a closer look at H.R. 10379, the Problem Solvers MAPS Act, a bipartisan bill introduced on September 15, 2026 by Republican Mike Lawler and Democrat Salud Carbajal with ten cosponsors from both parties. The bill is now before the House Judiciary Committee, and it takes on one of the oldest tricks in American politics: partisan gerrymandering. I break down how the bill would set nationwide standards for drawing congressional districts, requiring equal populations, contiguous and compact districts, respect for existing political boundaries like counties and cities, and a ban on drawing maps to favor any party, candidate, or incumbent. The rules would apply to districts drawn after the bill becomes law, and it is one of four bills in the Problem Solvers Caucus gerrymandering package. Join me as I explain what gerrymandering actually is, using a classroom analogy you will not forget, and weigh the counterarguments: critics say nationwide rules limit state flexibility, the bill never defines how compact is compact enough, and no map standard can guarantee competitive elections. These debates will shape how far this bill goes.