Higgins welcomes currency changes announced by U.S. Treasury

Harriet Tubman to be featured on $20, President Hamilton to Remain on $10

Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, welcomed the decision by the U.S. Treasury to add Harriet Tubman to the $20 bill and keep Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.

"Currency can help to tell a story of a nation, where we came from, what we believe in and where we are going," Higgins said. "This decision provides national recognition of the struggles of those who came before us and the freedoms won thanks to the work of Harriet Tubman and Alexander Hamilton and many others."

Following a public campaign to feature a woman on U.S. currency, the Treasury announced in June a redesigned $10 bill would feature a woman. While the consideration of a female historical leader was certainly applauded, many were disappointed to learn Hamilton would no longer be featured on the $10, given his many contributions as a Founding Father.

Higgins was a cosponsor of H.R. 2610, the Harriet Tubman Tribute Act, which directs the Treasury secretary to feature Tubman, recognized as a leader in the anti-slavery and women's suffrage movements, on a Federal Reserve note. The congressman was also one of 64 members urging the Treasury to maintain Hamilton's position on the $10 bill, citing Hamilton's record as "one of the most influential interpreters of the U.S. Constitution, a passionate advocate for the abolition of slavery, and the founder of the nation's financial system."