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Bill

Bill

HR 8174

To amend title 31, United States Code, to prohibit the issuance of United States currency and securities containing the signature of the sitting President.

119th Congress Introduced by Jimmy Gomez

Prohibits sitting Presidents' signatures on U.S. currency and securities, ending a decades-old ceremonial practice in federal monetary design.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8174

Legislative bill overview

HR 8174 would amend federal law to prevent the sitting President's signature from appearing on U.S. currency and securities. Currently, the Secretary of the Treasury and Comptroller of the Currency must sign all paper currency, and presidents have historically had their signatures included on these documents. This bill would prohibit that practice going forward.

Why is this important

The President's signature on currency is a traditional practice dating back decades that some view as a symbol of executive authority and continuity of government. Removing this requirement would alter a long-standing ceremonial and symbolic aspect of U.S. currency design and could affect how future administrations are represented on legal tender and government securities.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. practical value: Supporters may argue the signature is merely ceremonial with no functional purpose, while opponents may view it as an important historical tradition and symbol of presidential authority
  • Implementation costs: Changing currency design and production processes could require significant expenses for new plates, materials, and administrative procedures
  • Retroactive currency: The bill's impact on existing currency in circulation and whether older bills with presidential signatures would remain legal tender

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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