Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 923
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-28T12:50:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025 aims to honor Harriet Tubman, a key figure in the abolition of slavery and the Underground Railroad, by requiring her likeness on the $20 Federal Reserve note (commonly called the $20 bill). This legislation seeks to update U.S. currency to reflect diverse historical contributions.
Key Provisions
- Mandate for Redesign: The Secretary of the Treasury must ensure that all $20 bills printed after December 31, 2030, feature Harriet Tubman's likeness on the face of the note.
- Delay Option: The Secretary can postpone this requirement by up to two years if, after consulting with relevant experts, it is determined that issuing the new design would pose an unacceptable risk of counterfeiting or harm the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the U.S. economy. Any delay must be reported to specific congressional committees.
- Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This amends the Federal Reserve Act (specifically, section 16, paragraph 8, under 12 U.S.C. 418), which governs the design and production of Federal Reserve notes.
- It adds a new mandatory requirement for the $20 bill's design, shifting from the current portrayal of Andrew Jackson (the seventh U.S. President) to Harriet Tubman, without altering other denominations or aspects of currency production.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of the Treasury, including the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (responsible for printing currency), the Federal Reserve Board (which oversees currency issuance), and the U.S. Secret Service (which handles counterfeiting prevention), will need to coordinate redesign efforts, potentially involving costs for new printing plates and security features. A delay could extend these timelines.
- On Citizens: Everyday users of U.S. currency will see a symbolic change recognizing African American history, which may promote education and inclusivity, though the practical use of $20 bills remains unchanged.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as currency design changes are primarily domestic, but it could enhance the U.S. image abroad as promoting equality and historical diversity.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government Entities: Secretary of the Treasury (leads implementation), Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Federal Reserve Board, and U.S. Secret Service (provide input on risks).
- Congressional Committees: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and House Committee on Financial Services (receive delay notifications and oversee compliance).
- Public and Historical Groups: Advocates for civil rights, historians, and the general public, who may view this as a tribute to underrepresented figures in U.S. history.
- Currency Users: Banks, businesses, and individuals handling cash, though the change is unlikely to disrupt transactions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill builds on existing authority under the Federal Reserve Act for currency design, with built-in flexibility for security concerns, reducing potential challenges related to economic stability or counterfeiting risks.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; Congress has broad power under Article I, Section 8 to regulate currency, and this change is a non-controversial exercise of that authority focused on symbolic representation.
- Political: Highlights ongoing efforts to diversify U.S. currency (e.g., past announcements about Tubman on the $20 bill that were delayed), potentially fostering bipartisan support for historical recognition while sparking debate on priorities like spending on redesign versus other fiscal needs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (2 pages)