Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, with Virginia becoming the 38th State to ratify the equal rights amendment, today we make it clear that Congress never intended the arbitrary deadline to act as a barrier to ratification of this vital amendment. Ratification of the equal rights amendment affirms our Nation's values by codifying an expressed prohibition against sex discrimination in our Nation's foundational document. While our Nation's courts have properly recognized that women are entitled to equal protection under the law, we have a responsibility to do all that we can to guarantee that, regardless of sex, all Americans are treated the same in every aspect of their lives, including making a living, obtaining healthcare, and accessing public services. These rights must not be swayed by political ideology or depend on judicial philosophy. Equality is a founding value of this great country and, more than any other word, describes the very idea of America. Madam Speaker, a vote for H.J. Res. 79 is a vote for equality. I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 79.”