US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SJR4

Caption

A joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Impact

If enacted, SJR4 could significantly influence state laws by reinforcing gender equality protections at the constitutional level. It would enable states that have not yet ratified the amendment to do so without the restrictions of the previous deadline. This may lead to greater legal protections against gender discrimination, impacting a wide array of laws pertaining to employment, education, and healthcare, among others. The resolution’s passage is seen as a potential turning point in establishing more robust civil rights protections for women across the country.

Summary

SJR4 is a joint resolution aimed at removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Originally proposed in 1972, the ERA sought to ensure equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, highlighting the necessity for gender equality in various aspects of civil law. Despite gaining substantial support, the ERA faced challenges with its ratification timeline, leading to a push for reconsideration through this current resolution. By removing the deadline, SJR4 aims to revitalize efforts for the ERA's adoption and solidify its status as part of the U.S. Constitution, should the necessary state approvals be secured.

Contention

Despite its supportive framework, SJR4 faces notable contention within legislative circles. While advocates argue that removing the deadline allows for a timely rectification of gender disparities, opponents express concerns about the implications of rushing this amendment. Some lawmakers raise issues regarding the historical context of the ERA's original timeline and emphasize the importance of thorough state evaluation and consensus on such a critical constitutional change. The discussion touches upon the broader debate surrounding gender rights in contemporary society, reflecting differing ideological perspectives on equality.

Companion Bills

US HJR25

Same As Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment.

Previously Filed As

US SJR38

A joint resolution establishing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

US HJR80

Establishing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

US HJR4

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a fiscal year unless both Houses of Congress have agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.

US HB121

Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2023 This bill provides that a national emergency declared by the President terminates 30 days after a declaration unless a joint resolution affirming such declaration is enacted. All existing emergency declarations expire after two years unless the President requests a renewal that receives congressional approval.

US HB242

Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act This bill requires that activities carried out by the United States in South Sudan relating to governance, post-conflict reconstruction and development, police and military training, or refugee relief and assistance support the human rights of women and their full political, social, and economic participation.

US HJR11

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

US HB22

Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from selling petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the SPR to any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Further, DOE must require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that the oil not be exported to China.

US HB26

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act This bill establishes requirements for the degree of care a health care practitioner must provide in the case of a child born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion. Specifically, a health care practitioner who is present must (1) exercise the same degree of care as would reasonably be provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) ensure the child is immediately admitted to a hospital. Additionally, a health care practitioner or other employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with the degree-of-care requirements must immediately report such failure to law enforcement. A health care practitioner who fails to provide the required degree of care, or a health care practitioner or other employee who fails to report such failure, is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. An individual who intentionally kills or attempts to kill a child born alive is subject to prosecution for murder. The bill bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive under this bill and allows her to bring a civil action against a health care practitioner or other employee for violations.

US HB252

Inflation Prevention Act of 2023 This bill establishes a point of order that, when the annualized rate of inflation exceeds 4.5%, prohibits the House and Senate from considering legislation that provides new budget authority and is estimated to increase the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The prohibition may be waived in the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Senate.

US HB23

Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act This bill rescinds certain unobligated amounts made available to the Internal Revenue Service by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for its enforcement activities and for funding certain Department of the Treasury tax agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.