The Missouri House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to pass the bill containing a new congressional map, first proposed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, over the objections of Democrats who say the map is racially discriminatory and an abuse of power. The state Senate is likely to hold hearings on the bill on Thursday and could pass it as soon as Friday.

Republicans advanced Missouri's redistricting plan targeting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's district, while Democrats staged protests and threaten legal challenges.

Legislators returned to Jefferson City Wednesday morning to continue efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps.

Three Missouri House Democrats, including two from the St. Louis area, are staging a protest ahead of Republican efforts to pass a new congressional map.