In an interview Tuesday, Reed said his interest in the amendment took root in a Faith and Politics Institute pilgrimage he made last year to Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the American women's rights movement, which is in Reed's district.
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, a Manhattan Democrat, accompanied Reed on the pilgrimage. And over the several days they spent together, Maloney asked Reed if he would be the lead Republican co-sponsor on a House effort to revive the Equal Rights Amendment.
"I just said: 'I'm totally on board with this – whatever you need from me,' " Reed said.