Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s legislation, the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, passed the House of Representatives today. This bill was introduced along with Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14) in May of this year. The companion bill in the senate is being led by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). This legislation authorizes the Department of Treasury to mint 400,000 $1 silver coins in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and ensures that the suffragists who dedicated their lives to fighting for women’s fundamental right to vote are celebrated throughout the United States.
“I am honored to celebrate the important work of women’s suffrage activists through the Women’s Suffrage Commemorative Coin Act,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “One of the most vocal advocates for women’s suffrage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was born and raised in Johnstown, New York, and I am looking forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment in my district next year. I’m grateful to my colleagues for supporting this bipartisan legislation, and it is my hope that this bill will encourage women across the country to continue to be active participants in civic life.”
The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act will not cost any taxpayer dollars—all funding will come from the sale of the coins to private citizens. After the government is reimbursed for all costs associated with producing the coin, proceeds from the coin will support the Smithsonian Institution’s American Women’s History Initiative.
Watch Congresswoman Stefanik speak on the House Floor in support of this legislation here and below.
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