Reps. Meeks and Katko Announce Passage of Harriet Tubman Coin Bill

Statement

Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, senior member of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman John Katko released a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1842, the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act, which honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman.

Recognizing Tubman's historic contributions to the causes of freedom and equality, the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins bearing Tubman's image, all of which would be legal tender. All surcharges received by the Treasury would be paid equally to the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, New York and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio to help fulfill their missions of telling the stories of abolitionists and inspiring the public by sharing Harriet Tubman's core values and promoting her enormous legacy.

"Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to fighting against the oppression of white supremacy, for the freedom and rights of African Americans, and for the women's suffrage movement. This historic legislation recognizes the significant contributions and sacrifices that Tubman made for this country, as we continue to fight for justice and equality for all. I'm proud to have sponsored this legislation with my colleague Rep. Katko to ensure the legacy of Harriet Tubman is commemorated and I look forward to this bill becoming law," said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.

"I am incredibly excited to announce the passage of the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act," said Rep. Katko. "Harriet Tubman's former home in Auburn is a cherished site in Central New York and plays an important role in educating the public on Tubman's tremendous life. Throughout my time in Congress, I've been proud to support efforts to honor Tubman's legacy and bring attention to this important local history. Now, I am honored to help send this important legislation, which pays tribute to Harriet Tubman and will provide direct funding to the Tubman Home in Auburn, to the President's desk. I thank Congressman Meeks for his collaboration on this effort and I am eager to see this legislation signed into law."

"We applaud the bilateral legislative support that rightly enshrines Harriet Tubman among our nation's pantheon of heroes. It is an essential step in ensuring our national heroes reflect the true diversity of those who have contributed so significantly to our nation's democracy. Minting Ms. Tubman's likeness on a commemorative coin will encourage people to learn more about and to be inspired by her extraordinary leadership," said Woodrow Keown, Jr., President and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

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