The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has approved legislation that moves Easton and other Northampton County communities out of the 15th Congressional district.

The Morning Call reports that the House passed the new map Tuesday, moving Easton into the 17th district, represented by Congressman Tim Holden. The Senate approved the new districts last week.

The poll we took last week found that most of you were against this plan, which splits the Lehigh Valley into separate Congressional districts for the first time in 40 years. 

In addition to Easton, the Express-Times says Forks, Palmer, Bethlehem, Upper and Lower Mount Bethel and Washington Township would be moved into the 17th district, as well as the boroughs of Wilson, West Easton, Glendon, Nazareth, Stockertown, Tatamy, Bangor, East Bangor, Freemansburg, Pen Argyl, Portland, and Roseto.

Parts of the city of Bethlehem, as well as Plainfield and Upper Nazareth townships, would also join the 17th district.