Letter to Hon. Charles E. Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, Hon. Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader-On International Women's Day, Democratic Women's Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Lawrence Joins Bipartisan Letter Urging Senate Leadership to Vote on the ERA

Letter

Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell,

In just a few weeks, on March 22, we will mark the 50th anniversary of congressional passage of the Equal Rights Amendment(ERA). In anticipation of this anniversary, and as Members of Congress committed to constitutional equality, we write to request immediate action by the Senate to affirm the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. March is Women's History Month--the perfect time for this historic action.

The ERA has a long history of bipartisan support. Just last March, H.J. Res. 17, which would eliminate the time limit included in the Amendment's preamble, passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote. As you are no doubt aware, the Senate companion bill, S.J. Res. 1, also enjoys bipartisan support. Bipartisan and bicameral congressional action on the ERA will once again make clear our commitment to constitutional equality.

Just over two years ago, the ERA was ratified by the state of Virginia--the 38th and final state needed to meet the constitutional requirements for ratification.1 On January 27, 2022, the second anniversary of that historic vote and the date the ERA went into effect, President Biden made a statement in support of the ERA and called on Congress "to act immediately to pass a resolution recognizing ratification of the ERA."2

We urge you to heed the President's call for action and schedule a vote on the Senate floor for S.J. Res. 1 in March. Equality cannot wait any longer.

Sincerely,