(File Photo)
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania state House committee is advancing legislation that its Republican chairman says is needed to prepare for final negotiations over new congressional district maps. The State Government Committee on Monday cast party-line votes with only Republican support to approve amendments, bills and a resolution. The parallel map drawing processes for Congress and the General Assembly are running up against deadlines designed linked to the primary election on May 17. In the near term, counties want to have maps in place about three weeks before candidates start circulating petitions make it onto the primary ballot. That period begins Feb. 15.