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(CNN) — The North Carolina House on Wednesday gave final approval to a new congressional map aimed at helping Republicans eke out an additional GOP seat to help shore up the party’s majority in the US House after next year’s midterm elections.

Senate Bill 249 passed on a 66-48 vote. Members of the public were escorted out of the chamber after protests broke out shortly before the vote.

State law does not give Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, veto power over redistricting legislation – although litigation over the map is likely.

Stein on Wednesday called the move a “disgraceful” abuse of power.

“They’re afraid that they will lose in the midterms and afraid to say no to the president. So, they’ve turned their backs on

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