Establishing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

# Summary of H.J.RES 80: Equal Rights Amendment Ratification **What the Bill Would Do** This bill seeks to establish the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. The ERA states: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." If passed by Congress and ratified by the states, it would constitutionally guarantee equal rights regardless of gender and provide a legal basis to challenge laws or policies that discriminate based on sex. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The ERA would potentially affect all Americans by strengthening constitutional protections against gender-based discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and other areas. The bill itself is primarily a procedural measure addressing ratification rather than creating new specific protections.

Notably, the ERA has already been approved by the required 38 states for ratification, but the measure faces legal questions about whether the original deadline for state ratification has passed—this bill appears designed to address those concerns and formally establish the amendment's status. **Current Status** As of now, H.J.RES 80 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat from Massachusetts.