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• A new legislative effort, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, aims to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson.
• This initiative follows years of delays and previous attempts to honor Tubman’s legacy on U.S. currency.
• The move is part of a broader push to reflect the diversity and history of the United States on its currency.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The latest measure to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is part of a long-standing effort that began during the Obama administration. Then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced in 2016 that Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson, but the plan was delayed by the Trump administration.

Core Players

• Sen. Jeanne Shaheen – Democrat from New Hampshire, sponsor of the latest legislative effort.
• Harriet Tubman – 19th-century abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader.
• Andrew Jackson – The seventh President of the United States, currently featured on the $20 bill.
• U.S. Treasury Department – Responsible for the design and issuance of U.S. currency.

Key Numbers

• 2016: Year the Obama administration announced plans to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.
• 2020: Originally planned year for the release of the redesigned $20 bill, which was delayed.
• 2028: Previously projected release year for the redesigned $20 bill under the Trump administration’s timeline.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The latest legislative effort is a response to the prolonged delays in honoring Harriet Tubman’s legacy on U.S. currency. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s measure aims to expedite the process, reflecting a broader commitment to diversity and historical representation.

“It’s important that our money reflect the history and diversity of our country,” emphasized White House press secretary Jen Psaki in a previous statement.

Inside Forces

The initiative has been through several iterations, with significant delays under President Trump. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had prioritized security features over design changes, pushing the release of the redesigned $20 bill to 2028.

The Biden administration revived the effort, aiming to accelerate the process and ensure Tubman’s image is featured on the $20 bill sooner.

Power Dynamics

The decision to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill has been influenced by various political and social forces. The move is seen as a way to honor her contributions to American history and to address the historical lack of diversity on U.S. currency.

Critics argue that this change does not adequately address the systemic issues of inequality and slavery that Tubman fought against.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of this change extend beyond the currency itself. It symbolizes a shift towards greater recognition of diverse historical figures and their contributions to American society.

However, some scholars like Brittney Cooper argue that placing Tubman on the $20 bill can be seen as a “sign of disrespect” due to the association of currency with the historical commodification of enslaved people.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the success of this effort will depend on the Treasury Department’s commitment to expediting the design and production process. The Biden administration’s push for diversity on currency could lead to further changes in the representation of historical figures on U.S. bills.

Potential future changes may include the inclusion of other diverse figures and the redesign of additional denominations to better reflect American history and diversity.

Data Points

• April 20, 2016: Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced plans to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.
• 2020: Original target year for the release of the redesigned $20 bill, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
• May 2019: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced a delay, pushing the release to 2028.
• January 2021: The Biden administration announced efforts to accelerate the process.