Woman on the Twenty Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 10, 2025
Bottom line
The bill legislatively enforces a previously announced Treasury decision to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, setting specific deadlines for design release and currency production.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that all $20 Federal Reserve notes printed after December 31, 2028, must prominently feature a portrait of Harriet Tubman on the front face. It also requires the Secretary of the Treasury to release the preliminary design of this new $20 note to the public no later than December 31, 2026.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill honors Harriet Tubman's historical significance as an abolitionist and symbol of freedom, rectifying the long-standing absence of women on U.S. paper currency. They contend it solidifies a commitment previously made by the Treasury Department, ensuring that this important recognition is implemented.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that legislative mandates on currency design could interfere with the technical and logistical complexities typically managed by the Treasury Department. Some may also express concerns about the costs and timelines associated with redesigning currency, or prefer that such decisions remain within executive discretion.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing any reader to quickly grasp its core purpose and provisions.
Section 3(a)
Mandate for Harriet Tubman Portrait on $20 Note
This provision amends existing law (title 31, United States Code) to prohibit the printing of any $20 Federal Reserve note after December 31, 2028, unless it prominently features a portrait of Harriet Tubman on its front face. This effectively legislates the inclusion of Tubman on the $20 bill by a specific deadline, transforming a previous executive announcement into a statutory requirement.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures the long-overdue recognition of Harriet Tubman on U.S. currency, solidifying a commitment previously made by the Treasury and celebrating a pivotal figure in American history. They believe it guarantees the implementation of a widely supported change.
Critics contend
Some might argue that mandating specific currency designs through legislation could set a precedent that politicizes currency design, which has traditionally been an executive function, potentially leading to future legislative interference in technical processes.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between legislative oversight and executive discretion in currency design. While ensuring a specific historical figure is honored, it also removes some flexibility from the Treasury in managing currency redesigns and their associated technical complexities.
Section 3(b)
Preliminary Design Release Deadline
This subsection mandates that the Secretary of the Treasury must publicly release the preliminary design of the new $20 note, prominently featuring Harriet Tubman, no later than December 31, 2026. This sets an interim milestone for the redesign process, ensuring progress and public transparency ahead of the final production deadline.