WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the House passage of the resolution on the Equal Rights Amendment.

“Women have been left out of the Constitution since our country’s founding. To this day, women working year-round still only make 82 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts—with even greater pay gaps experienced by women of color. I am proud to support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which will enshrine equality between men and women under the eyes of the law.

“The United States should be a leader in the fight for equality between women and men, however we have failed to address the issue in our own Constitution. Every national constitution written since World War II includes the basic principle of gender equality, and we should amend our Constitution to reflect that principle.

“The passage of this resolution marks a pivotal point in our history by clearing up legal ambiguity and honoring the people’s support for women’s equality. The ERA would finally apply judicial review to laws and policies that discriminate against women. It will help our nation achieve its economic and social potential, and most importantly, will move us one step closer to achieving equality for all.”

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