On the recordMarch 17, 2021
Madam Speaker, every person, regardless of sex, must be treated equally under the law. H.J. Res. 17 reaffirms this core American value. It makes clear that the arbitrary deadline in the equal rights amendment may not stand in the way of achieving full equality for women. With women losing their jobs at disproportionately high rates, the COVID-19 pandemic has only further revealed the need for this amendment. In 2020, American women lost more than 5 million jobs. A vote for this resolution is a vote for equal access to healthcare. It is a vote for equal pay for the same work. It is a vote for equal opportunity and basic human rights in all other aspects of life for women in this country. Congress must act now to remove this arbitrary deadline. There must be no time limit on guaranteeing equal rights under the law. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 17. {time} 1115
