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.
A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment without delay.
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.
A joint resolution proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States relative to the line item veto, a limitation on the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve, and requiring a vote of two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of Congress on any legislation raising or imposing new taxes or fees.
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.
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters and submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on December 26, 2024. Under the rule, DOE adopted amended energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that DOE determined was technologically feasible and economically justified.