Change Corruption Act
Summary
The Change Corruption Act aims to prevent the appearance of impropriety by prohibiting the likeness of a living or sitting president from appearing on United States currency. The bill was introduced in the Senate on December 9, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
The core provision of the bill is straightforward: no US currency may feature the likeness of a living or sitting president. This is intended to reduce the potential for perceived self-aggrandizement or political influence associated with such imagery.
While seemingly limited in scope, the bill touches on themes of governmental ethics and the symbolic representation of leadership.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Change Corruption Act would prevent the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from issuing any new currency featuring a living or sitting president. This would primarily affect future redesigns of currency.
The practical effect would be a change in the criteria used for selecting figures to appear on currency. It would necessitate the selection of deceased individuals or symbols rather than current leaders.
The long-term effect could be a perceived reduction in the politicization of currency and a greater emphasis on historical figures.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the perception of political self-promotion by sitting presidents.
- May encourage the selection of a wider range of historical figures for currency, promoting civic education.
- Could foster a sense of continuity and respect for historical precedent in national symbols.
- Might decrease public cynicism regarding the use of presidential imagery in government communications.
- Aligns with efforts to promote ethical governance and transparency.
Potential Disadvantages
- May be seen as an unnecessary restriction on the government's ability to commemorate leaders.
- Could be interpreted as a symbolic rebuke of current or future presidents, creating political division.
- Might limit the flexibility of currency design and the ability to reflect contemporary achievements.
- Could be perceived as a solution to a problem that is not widespread or particularly damaging.
- May lead to debates over which historical figures are appropriate for currency, potentially sparking controversy.
Constitutional Alignment
The Change Corruption Act appears to be constitutionally permissible. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof. This power implicitly includes the authority to determine the design and imagery of currency.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties. It does not restrict freedom of speech, religion, or any other protected activity.
However, the bill's intent could be debated in terms of its potential to indirectly express disapproval of a sitting president, which could raise concerns about the separation of powers, although this is a weak argument.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).