Former Rep. Carolyn Maloney has a plea for her one-time colleagues in Congress. It’s the same drum she beat when she served among them until last January: Recognize the Equal Rights Amendment. “We are closer now than we ever have been,” she told Playbook recently in an office adorned with green ERA signs. “As one of the advocates said, ‘Carolyn, you’re much more valuable to us out of office than in the office because you have time to work with us on this.’” Women’s issues were Maloney’s signature cause during her three decades in Congress, a time filled with highs and lows and a career cut short sooner than she wanted when she lost in August 2022 to Rep. Jerry Nadler. After she recovered from the shock, she got to work, especially on the unfinished business of putting an amendment in the Constitution that would guarantee equal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. “We’re claiming it’s already ratified, but it’s in dispute,” Maloney said. “So a way to clarify it is: If Congress can add a time limit, Congress can remove that time limit.” Playbook asked if Maloney now works with Nadler. “No,” she replied curtly, unsurprising to anyone who witnessed their bitter battle of the titans last year. Playbook asked if Maloney will vote for Nadler next year. “Fortunately, in America, our votes are confidential,” she responded. “Isn’t that wonderful?” Playbook asked if Maloney has plans to run for office again herself. “You never know what’s going to happen,” she said, adding, “I’m always running. I’m running right now. I ran to three or four meetings before I got to you.” Maloney’s titles, distinctions and awards post-Congress are many. She’s a distinguished leader in residence at Hunter College’s Roosevelt House and president of the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women. She has traveled recently to Washington, to Richmond, Va., and to Seneca Falls. Everywhere she goes, she solicits signatures on the Sign4ERA petition, hitting up her Upper East Side neighbors, mayors around the country, anyone she comes face to face with. And Maloney, 77, who pushed fiercely for the Second Avenue subway line, has another big goal in mind once the ERA is recognized. “I want to really devote my time to high-speed rail between New York and Boston,” she said. HAPPY FRIDAY. TGIF! Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading. Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. WHERE’S KATHY? Appearing on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" and speaking at the Business Council of New York State's annual meeting. WHERE’S ERIC? Making a public safety-related announcement, meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, speaking with the Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and receiving an award at the Sisters in Crisis’ Black Man’s Gala. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Urgency and action together mean we'll save the planet for future generations. That's our responsibility. That’s the responsibility of every single person who breathes air on this beautiful planet.” — Gov. Kathy Hochul on announcing efforts to decarbonize buildings and quadruple heat pump installations by 2030 alongside Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
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