Resolution would affirm the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, enshrine it as 28th Amendment

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment, along with ERA Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) and Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), released a joint statement marking the one-year anniversary of the introduction of H.J. Res. 25, a resolution to affirm the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and enshrine it as the 28th Amendment.

“One year ago today, we introduced legislation to remove the arbitrary deadline that has delayed enshrining the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28^th Amendment to the United States Constitution and stood as a barrier to achieving true constitutional gender equality. 

“For centuries, women – particularly Black women, women of color, and LGBTQ+ folks – have done the work of preserving and defending our country, and it is long past time to make gender equality the law of the land. The ERA would strengthen efforts to combat sex discrimination, close the gender pay gap, protect LGBTQ+ rights, address gender-based violence, defend reproductive freedom, and more.

“This issue transcends party and is about affirming the basic dignity, humanity, and equality of everyone who calls America home. We urge our House colleagues to fulfill their duty to the people of the United States by signing our discharge petition and bringing H.J. Res 25 to the floor for a vote. Equality is overdue.”

Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), is the lead co-sponsor of H.J.Res.25, a joint resolution to affirm the ratification of the ERA and take a critical step toward enshrining gender equality in the United States Constitution.

• In December 2023, ahead of the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Equal Rights Amendment in the Senate, Rep.Pressley (MA-07) and Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) hosted a Centennial Reception Exhibit at the Library of Congress. 
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Cori Bush commemorated July 21, 2023 as the 100th anniversary of when the Equal Rights Amendment was first unveiled.
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley led her colleagues in filing a “discharge petition” that could compel the House to hold a vote on H.J. Res. 25, her joint resolution to affirm the ratification of the ERA and enshrine it as the 28^th Amendment.
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley joined Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in unveiling a resolution recognizing the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28^th Amendment to the Constitution.
• In June 2023, during Pride Month, a coalition of LGBTQ+ grassroots organizations expressed support for H.J.Res. 25, a bicameral joint resolution to affirm the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and enshrine gender equality in the U.S. Constitution.
• In April 2023, Rep. Pressley and the Congressional Caucus on the Equal Rights Amendment rallied behind the Senate’s efforts to bring the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to a vote. Later that day, Rep. Pressley responded to the failed passage on the House Floor.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01) led their colleagues in launching the first-ever Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment.
• In March 2023 ahead of the ERA Caucus launch, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful House floor speech commemorating the legacy and contributions of Black women at the forefront of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
• In March 2023, on the House floor, Rep. Pressley honored the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and her contributions as a legislator, including her advocacy to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
• In February 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Chairwoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) and the Democratic Women’s Caucus, issued a statement applauding the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
• In January 2023, Rep. Pressley and Sen. Cardin led their colleagues in introducing a bicameral, joint resolution to remove the arbitrary deadline for ratification of the ERA and recognize the amendment as a valid part of the Constitution.

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