Democratic Senators Renew Push to Put Harriet Tubman on the U.S. $20 Bill

WASHINGTON: A group of U.S. Democratic senators has urged the Treasury Department to revive a long-delayed plan to place abolitionist and civil rights icon Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the administration was no longer pursuing the redesign.

In a letter led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the lawmakers called on the Treasury Department to reverse its decision, arguing that abandoning the redesign disregards years of bipartisan work and extensive public engagement recognizing Tubman’s historic contributions to the United States.

The proposal, first announced by the Obama administration in 2016, would have replaced former President Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill with Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and helped lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. If implemented, Tubman would become the first African American to appear on the face of U.S. paper currency.

Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Bessent said the department was “not at present” planning to move forward with the redesign, effectively halting a decade-long initiative that had previously received bipartisan support.

The issue has gained renewed attention as some officials in the Trump administration have expressed support for creating a commemorative $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Treasury officials have noted, however, that placing a living person on U.S. currency would require congressional approval.

In their letter, the senators asked Treasury to explain the basis for abandoning the Tubman redesign and urged the department to resume work on the new $20 bill without further delay, describing Tubman’s legacy as a symbol of courage, freedom and equality deserving of national recognition.