As Part of Women’s History Month, Reps. Lee & Gonzalez Lead Bipartisan Effort to Issue Quarters Honoring Prominent American Women
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16) introduced legislation directing the U.S. Treasury to issue quarters, one from each of the 50 states and the U.S. territories, to honor women who have made significant contributions to America. The bill, entitled Women’s History and Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Quarter Dollar Coin Program Act, would have the governor or executive of each state or territory recommend a design to the Treasury, in consultation with various stakeholders.
“Since our nation’s founding, women have played an instrumental role in shaping this country – yet these sacrifices and accomplishments have often gone unrecognized by history,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This bill, introduced during Women’s History Month, is designed to correct this historic wrong. By uplifting and showcasing these amazing women on our currency, Americans will have an opportunity to learn more about the unsung pioneers who built our nation. In the coming weeks and months, I hope my constituents and people across the country will provide input on the remarkable women they would like to see celebrated.”
“Women have played a critical role in our nation’s history, from Sacagawea, to Harriet Tubman, to Jerrie Mock and Northeast Ohio’s own Florence Ellinwood Allen, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of any state. It is time we recognize the contributions of these groundbreakers the same way we memorialize the contributions of so many other American icons, with a place on our currency. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Rep. Lee, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it across the finish line,” said Rep. Gonzalez.
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