To require $100 notes to include a portrait of Donald J. Trump, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1790
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-15T08:06:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Golden Age Act of 2025," aims to update the design of U.S. $100 currency notes by mandating the inclusion of a portrait of former President Donald J. Trump on the front. It seeks to honor Trump through this change in national currency.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Currency Design Law: The bill modifies Section 5114(b) of Title 31 of the U.S. Code (which governs the printing of Federal Reserve notes) to require that, starting January 1, 2029, all newly printed $100 notes must feature a prominent portrait of Donald J. Trump on the front face. This overrides any prior design requirements for the $100 note.
- Preliminary Design Release: The Secretary of the Treasury must publicly release an initial design of the updated $100 note (including Trump's portrait) by December 31, 2026, to allow for preparation and feedback.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Currently, the $100 note features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father, as established under longstanding U.S. currency design traditions that prioritize historical figures. This bill introduces a mandatory shift to a living former president's image, marking a departure from the norm of avoiding portraits of contemporary politicians on currency to prevent politicization.
- The change applies prospectively (after 2028), allowing existing notes to remain in circulation without immediate replacement.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of the Treasury will need to invest resources in redesigning, testing, and producing new currency, potentially increasing costs for printing and distribution through the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This could also involve coordination with the Federal Reserve for circulation.
- On Citizens: Everyday users of U.S. currency may encounter a redesigned $100 bill, which could lead to minor confusion during the transition but would not affect the note's value or functionality. It might influence public perceptions of national symbols.
- On International Relations: The change could subtly affect global views of U.S. currency stability or symbolism, as foreign entities (e.g., banks and governments) handle U.S. dollars extensively. However, the practical impact on international trade or finance is likely negligible, given the focus on aesthetics.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: Directly responsible for implementing the design and production changes.
- Congress and Legislators: The bill was introduced by Representatives Brian Gill (TX), Troy Nehls (TX), and Lauren Boebert (CO), and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, indicating political involvement in oversight.
- U.S. Citizens and Economy: General public as currency users; businesses and financial institutions handling cash transactions.
- Currency Production Entities: Including the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and private sector partners involved in secure printing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill directly amends federal statute (31 U.S.C. § 5114), which is within Congress's enumerated power under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to "coin Money" and regulate its value. No immediate legal challenges are implied, but implementation would require compliance with anti-counterfeiting standards.
- Constitutional: While constitutional authority exists, the inclusion of a living political figure breaks with historical precedent (e.g., only deceased presidents like Abraham Lincoln on the $5 note), potentially raising questions about separation of powers or the politicization of public symbols, though not explicitly violating the Constitution.
- Political: This could spark debate over partisanship in government institutions, as honoring a specific recent president (who remains politically active) might be seen as divisive. Passage would require bipartisan support in a divided Congress, highlighting tensions around national iconography.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Golden Age Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (2 pages)