SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- The Illinois House has approved a new congressional map for the state that attempts to erase Republican gains made in last year's election. 

The 63-54 vote Monday sends the map to the Illinois Senate.  Lawmakers are rushing to approve the map before Tuesday's scheduled end to the legislative session. 

Illinois must adopt a congressional map with 18, instead of 19, U.S. House seats because the latest census showed slowing population growth.  Democrats are in charge of the process because they control the state Legislature and governor's office. 

That gives Democrats a chance to put freshmen Republicans into unfriendly districts.

We'll continue to follow the map in the Senate, so so check this story later and watch KHQA's News at Five, KHQA's Evening News at 6 p.m. and KHQA's Late News at 10 p.m.

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