Issue Position: Women's Rights

Issue Position

Over the past 160 years, the women's rights movement has made significant strides towards achieving equality in American Society, but as of yet, there is no provision in our Constitution that makes it illegal to deny or abridge a citizen's rights based on gender. I believe it is absolutely necessary to constitutionally guarantee women's rights and ensure that the gains made by the equality movement are codified and upheld by law.

During the 110th Congress, I co-sponsored House Joint Resolution 40, which proposes an Amendment to the Constitution to guarantee equal rights for men and women. While it was not debated during this session, I am hopeful it will be discussed during the 111th Congress.

Also debated and voted on during the 110th Congress was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which I supported. This legislation gives women 180 days since their most recent paycheck to sue for wage discrimination if it is discovered. The current law only allows women to sue if they discover a gender-based difference in pay within 180 days of their contract negotiation, which is not usually enough time for such a subtle form of systematic discrimination to be uncovered. Unfortunately, the measure did not make it out of the Senate, but I am hopeful it will be reintroduced and passed out of both chambers next session.

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