Legislation Search

H.R. 1976: Woman on the Twenty Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Woman on the Twenty Act of 2025, proposes changes to the design of the $20 U.S. banknote. It aims to require that all future $20 bills prominently feature a portrait of Harriet Tubman on the front face of the note. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Key Provisions

The bill mandates that after December 31, 2028, no $20 notes will be printed without a portrait of Harriet Tubman.
The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with releasing a preliminary design for the new $20 note that features Tubman by December 31, 2026.

Background and Context

The bill references several historical points regarding U.S. currency:

The dollar was established as the monetary unit of the U.S. in 1875.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing began producing paper money in 1877.
The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 created the Federal Reserve and designated the issuance of Federal Reserve notes.
Historically, the Secretary of the Treasury has selected the designs for U.S. currency with input from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Current $20 bills feature President Andrew Jackson, while other bills feature notable figures such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
No woman has ever been portrayed on U.S. paper currency since its introduction.
Previous discussions regarding a woman's portrait on U.S. currency have occurred, with an announcement in 2016 that Harriet Tubman would be featured on the $20 bill.

Implications and Next Steps

Should the bill pass, it would initiate the process of redesigning the $20 banknote to reflect the new requirements. The design would honor Harriet Tubman's legacy, recognizing her contributions to American history and her role in the abolition of slavery.