Democrats Push ‘Abolition Amendment’ To Fully Erase Slavery From U.S. Constitution

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Federal lawmakers introduced an joint resolution that seeks «to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime» under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

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The Associated Press, which first reported the news of the congressional push to alter the 13th Amendment, notes that the reliance on prison labor is a generally touted as a way to rehabilitate inmates and provide an environment for teaching them new trade skills.

It’s unlikely the effort will be taken up, let alone passed, before the current session of Congress ends in a few weeks. But Merkley told the AP that he hopes to reintroduce the legislation after the next session starts in January.

Should that happen, a new lead sponsor from the House would be needed, as Clay was defeated during the Democratic primary earlier this year by Cori Bush.

Bush, a nurse and Black Lives Matter activist, won her general election race last month and will enter as a freshman member of the House when Congress convenes in January.

Article V of the Constitution allows for a change in the founding document only after a two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate approve a resolution or by a constitutional convention in which two-thirds of state legislatures vote to support the measure.

None of the Constitution’s 27 amendments have been proposed by constitutional convention.

  • 13th amendment
  • U.S. Constitution
  • United States
  • slavery

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