Fla. House challenges redistricting amendment

The Florida House is asking to join a lawsuit challenging a new state constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting.

The federal court filing in Miami drew criticism Monday from Democrats. They accused Republican House leaders of trying to thwart voters who approved the Fair Districts amendment by more than 60 percent in November.

The amendment bars gerrymandering to benefit political parties and incumbents. The House says it would infringe on lawmakers' redistricting authority. The Senate so far is not trying to join the suit.

It was filed by U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami.