S.923 - Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025 (S.923) mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to redesign the $20 Federal Reserve note to include a likeness of Harriet Tubman. The bill specifies that all $20 notes printed after December 31, 2030, must feature Tubman's image.
However, the Secretary can delay this implementation by up to two years if they determine, after consulting with relevant agencies, that doing so would pose an unacceptable risk of counterfeiting or negatively impact the economy.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will result in a redesign of the $20 Federal Reserve note to feature Harriet Tubman. This change aims to honor Tubman's legacy and contributions to American history.
The redesign will occur no later than December 31, 2032, unless the Secretary of the Treasury determines that it would create an unacceptable risk to the economy or increase counterfeiting.
Potential Benefits
- Symbolic Representation: Honors Harriet Tubman and her contributions to American history, particularly her role in the abolitionist movement.
- Educational Opportunity: Raises awareness about Tubman's life and legacy, promoting a more inclusive understanding of American history.
- Cultural Significance: Acknowledges the importance of African American figures in shaping the nation's identity.
- Potential Tourism Boost: Could attract visitors to museums and historical sites related to Harriet Tubman.
- Positive International Image: Showcases the US commitment to recognizing and celebrating diverse historical figures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Controversy: Redesigning currency can be controversial, particularly if it involves replacing a historical figure already on the note.
- Implementation Costs: Redesigning and reprinting currency involves costs for design, engraving, and production.
- Risk of Counterfeiting: Any currency redesign carries a risk of increased counterfeiting, which could negatively impact the economy.
- Potential for Delays: The Secretary of the Treasury can delay the redesign by up to two years, which could frustrate supporters of the bill.
- Focus on Symbolism over Substance: Some may argue that the redesign is a symbolic gesture that does not address underlying issues of racial inequality.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the preamble's goal to "form a more perfect Union" and "establish Justice" by recognizing the contributions of a previously marginalized group. Congress has the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
This power implicitly includes the authority to design and redesign currency. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, some might argue that focusing on symbolic gestures distracts from addressing more substantive issues related to equality and justice.
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).