Rep. Wild Votes to Advance ERA Ratification

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) voted on a resolution to remove the deadline to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), paving the way forward for passage of this historic amendment and reaffirming Congress' support for women's equality. The resolution, H.J.Res.79 is cosponsored by 224 bipartisan Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Wild. A companion joint resolution has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

"I am proud to serve in a historic freshman class, one that has more women among its ranks than ever before," Wild said. "It is only fitting that after decades of activism and grit, we are taking the steps to finally ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and ensure that men and women are equal under the law and in our constitution. It meant so much to me to take this historic vote among my fellow Congresswomen and stand up for the women and working families of the Greater Lehigh Valley."

When Congress passed the ERA in 1972, it attached a seven-year ratification deadline to the preamble which was later extended three more years. By 1982, 35 states out of the required 38 states voted to ratify the amendment. In the past three years, grassroots campaigns have successfully secured ratification votes in Nevada, Illinois, and most recently, Virginia.

H.J.Res.79 is supported by women's rights and equal rights organizations who have long championed action to ensure the ERA is ratified.

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