Washington, D.C. – Ahead of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced legislation authorizing a series of quarters to be minted in honor of women’s history and suffrage. Using the 50 States Quarters Program as a model, the Women’s History and Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Quarter Dollar Coin Program Act would create a new series of commemorative circulating coins which highlight women suffragists and other trailblazers from each state, the District of Columbia and territory in the United States. States would have the opportunity to help choose the women and accomplishments they wish to recognize.
“Women have played an essential role in shaping our country and fighting to make it a better, fairer place for all Americans. While Nevada made history this year by being the first state in the country to elect the first female-majority legislature, it’s clear that the contributions of women to our history are often overlooked,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This legislation would ensure generations of Americans learn about the unsung pioneers who blazed a trail forward for women and girls in the Silver State and across the country.”
“Over the years, there have been so many influential women from Nebraska and all across America who fought for what is right. Their courage, brilliance, and leadership changed this country and the world. I’m proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in this bipartisan initiative to honor these women and make sure future generations know what an incredible difference they made in our nation’s history,” said Senator Fischer.
U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
Full text of the bill is available here.
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