Existing comment:
A Contentious Extension
The ERA passed Congress in 1972 by the required two-thirds vote. But amendments must also be ratified by three-quarters of the states. The ERA was quickly ratified by 35 of the 38 states needed. As the seven-year time limit for ratification approached in 1979, Congress and President Jimmy Carter controversially extended the deadline three years. However, no additional states ratified.
Photograph of President Jimmy Carter signing the resolution for extension of the ratification deadline for the Equal Rights Amendment, October 20, 1978, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library |