US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SR107

Introduced
3/15/23  

Caption

A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.

Impact

The resolution outlines the historical context of the ERA and the judicial interpretations surrounding the amendment's ratification deadline. It asserts that only 35 out of the necessary 38 states ratified the ERA before its seven-year deadline, and furthermore, some states rescinded their ratification, which raises questions regarding the validity of continued attempts to revive the amendment under its expired status. The resolution cites various court rulings affirming the legitimacy of the deadline and Congress's limited role once a proposal has been made to the states.

Summary

SR107 is a resolution that acknowledges the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was proposed by Congress in March 1972. The bill explicitly states that Congress has no authority to alter the resolution proposing a constitutional amendment once it has been submitted to the states, or after its expiration. The resolution reinforces the constitutional process outlined in Article V, which assigns the power of proposing amendments to Congress and requires ratification by three-fourths of the states for an amendment to be adopted.

Contention

Debate surrounding SR107 centers on the broader implications for women's rights and constitutionality. Proponents of the resolution argue that recognizing the expiration of the ERA is necessary to uphold the integrity of the constitutional amendment process. In contrast, supporters of the ERA view the resolution as an effort to undermine women's rights by denying the necessity of the amendment. The resolution opens conversations about evolving interpretations of rights and gender equality in constitutional law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SJ0005

A JOINT RESOLUTION requesting Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the United States constitution as specified.

US HJR14

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1913, specifies that Congress may collect federal income taxes.

US S2463

Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

US H3842

Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

US SJR1

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

US SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

US HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

US HCR57

Clarifying that the 1972 ratification by the 62nd Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, of the proposed 1972 Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was only valid through March 22, 1979.

US HR0089

A resolution to affirm the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose amendments to the Michigan Constitution and to approve or reject those amendments, including constitutional amendments that impact federal elections, such as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022.

US HF2225

A resolution memorializing Congress to propose the For Our Freedom Amendment.

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