On the recordFebruary 11, 2020
Madam Speaker, for nearly a century, advocates have tried to add a provision to the Constitution guaranteeing equal rights to men and women. By some estimates, 80 percent of Americans mistakenly believe that women and men are already explicitly guaranteed equal rights by our Constitution, but it currently does so only for the right to vote. The equal rights amendment will help remedy that omission. It is necessary that Congress consider this amendment to the Constitution to help women achieve pay equality, require States to intervene in cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment, and guard against discrimination based on pregnancy and motherhood. Contrary to the arguments we are hearing today, this is not an abortion amendment; this is equal rights for women. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
