[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2048-H2050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
$2.50 FOR AMERICA'S 250TH ACT
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 5616) to amend title 31, United States Code, to
require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $2.50
numismatic coins and $2.50 circulating coins, and for other purposes,
as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 5616
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``$2.50 for America's 250th
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration
of Independence was a turning point in the history of the
United States and the world that warrants national
recognition.
(2) The 68th Congress celebrated this fact by authorizing
the United States Mint to commemorate the 150th anniversary
of American independence by issuing $2.50 coins.
(3) The issuance of a $2.50 anniversary coin for the 250th
anniversary serves as a historically grounded continuation of
this numismatic tradition and connects Americans today with a
legacy of national celebration through coinage.
(4) The design and distribution of this coin offer a unique
and accessible opportunity for the American people to engage
with and take personal ownership of their national heritage
through a tangible and lasting tribute.
(5) Every citizen deserves the opportunity to acquire such
a coin as a means to connect to the founding principles of
liberty, democracy, and self-governance.
(6) In addition to the congressionally authorized
activities already planned by the mint, this new anniversary
coin will serve not only as a lasting tribute to the founding
generation and the ideals we share with them to this day, but
also as a unifying and educational gesture on the occasion of
the semiquincentennial.
SEC. 3. MINTING AND ISSUING OF $2.50 NUMISMATIC COINS.
(a) In General.--Section 5112 of title 31, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(bb) Numismatic $2.50 Coin.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may mint and issue--
``(A) not more than 100,000 $2.50 numismatic coins, each of
which shall weigh 4.1795 grams, have a diameter of 0.425
inches, and contain not less than 90 percent gold
``(B) not more than 300,000 $2.50 numismatic coins, each of
which shall weigh 26.73 grams, have a diameter of 1.5 inches,
and contain not less than 90 percent silver.
``(C) not more than 750,000 $2.50 numismatic coins, each of
which shall weigh 11.34 grams, have a diameter of 1.205
inches, and be minted to the specifications for half-dollar
coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United States
Code.
``(2) Design.--
``(A) Obverse.--The obverse design of any coin minted and
issued under this subsection shall, during the 2-year period
beginning on the date the Secretary issues any coin under
this subsection, bear the image of allegorical liberty
wielding the Declaration of Independence featured on the gold
$2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin issued in 1926.
``(B) Reverse.--The reverse design of any coin minted and
issued under this subsection shall, during the 2-year period
beginning on the date the Secretary issues any coin under
this subsection, bear the image of Independence Hall featured
on the gold $2.50 Sesquicentennial Coin issued in 1926.
``(C) Additional inscriptions.--During the 2-year period
beginning on the date the Secretary issues any coin under
this subsection, each coin minted and issued under this
subsection shall bear the inscriptions `Semiquincentennial of
the United States' and `1776-2026'.''.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the numismatic coins described in section 5112(bb) of
title 31, United States Code, should be minted and issued not
later than July 4, 2026, or as soon as it is technically and
economically feasible.
SEC. 4. STUDY AND REPORT.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of the Treasury, acting through
the Director of the United States Mint shall conduct a
comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility,
practicality, and potential public benefits of minting and
issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation in the United
States.
(b) Report.--The Secretary of the Treasury, acting through
the Director of the United States Mint shall, not later than
September 15, 2026, submit a report to the Committee on
Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the
Senate about the study carried out under subsection (a) that
includes--
(1) an analysis of the historical use of the $2.50
denomination;
(2) projected production costs associated with minting and
issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation;
(3) the cost-effectiveness of minting and issuing a $2.50
coin for wide circulation when compared to the costs
associated with minting and issuing other coins;
(4) an evaluation of potential benefits to commerce, coin
handling, and transaction efficiency that would be associated
with the minting and issuing a $2.50 coin for wide
circulation;
(5) proposed physical characteristics of a $2.50 coin,
including--
(A) composition;
(B) weight;
(C) diameter; and
(D) design features to distinguish the $2.50 coin from
existing coins;
(6) a description of the ways in which the Secretary
consulted with stakeholders, including commercial banks,
cash-handling businesses, consumer groups, and vending and
transit industries;
(7) an analysis that estimates the potential seigniorage
associated with a widely circulated $2.50 coin; and
(8) a plan that could be followed to mint and issue a $2.50
coin that includes--
(A) coordination with the Federal Reserve System and
financial institutions;
(B) a test production phase; and
(C) an initial phased circulation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
General Leave
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill sponsored by the
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), my good friend, the $2.50 for
America's 250th Act.
The greatest experiment in the history of the world, the United
States of America, is still going stronger than ever, and 2026 marks
our Nation's 250th birthday, an incredible feat as our Founders came
together, found common ground, and voted to declare independence from
Great Britain.
[[Page H2049]]
Over the past 250 years, America has embodied the shining city on the
hill that John Winthrop envisioned in his famous 1630 sermon. Grounded
in the ideas at the heart of the Declaration that all men are created
equal and that governments derive their power not from the divine right
of kings but from the consent of the people, the United States has made
the world more free and more prosperous over our two-and-a-half
centuries.
To celebrate our semiquincentennial, H.R. 5616 will authorize the
United States Secretary of the Treasury to issue special $2.50
numismatic coins. This continues a long tradition of marking
significant milestones with coins that give everyday Americans tangible
reminders of these historic moments.
Mr. Aderholt and I are both old enough, Madam Speaker, to recall the
bicentennial tradition of that feature of special coin or printed bill
issuance and how our grandfathers instilled in us American history and
a love of country.
We were not there for the first $2.50 coin authorized under the
legislation that we have today because it marked the 150th anniversary
of the United States a century ago.
America is the land of freedom and the beacon of hope for many around
the world, something that all of us who have the privilege and honor of
living here should never take for granted, and certainly no one on this
House floor who has the privilege of representing our citizens takes
for granted.
Every day I wake up proud to be an American, and I thank Mr. Aderholt
for his contribution in celebrating 250 years of independence.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance
of my time.
Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 5616, the $2.50 for America's
250th Act, sponsored by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).
This legislation directs the Treasury Secretary to mint and issue a
$2.50 collectible coin to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the
signing of the Declaration of Independence later this year.
Under this bill, the Treasury would also conduct a study to evaluate
minting and issuing a separate $2.50 coin for wide circulation in the
United States.
For starters, I am glad this legislation now considers the cost-
effectiveness of a potential $2.50 circulating coin. This is important,
especially as President Trump's abrupt decision to stop production of
the penny last year, without any meaningful plan, created problems that
retailers, banks, and consumers are still dealing with today. This is
the mess we are now forced to clean up.
Additionally, to be clear, I was deeply concerned by the language in
the introduced version of this legislation, which may have been
interpreted by the Treasury Secretary to allow him to select a new
design for a $2.50 coin.
We are already witnessing how Secretary Bessent has exploited
loopholes and ignored existing laws, resulting in the Treasury minting
a $1 coin bearing Trump's image. The Treasury's decision to put Donald
Trump's face, a living President, on our currency is illegal and
reminiscent of a monarchy, which 250 years ago our country firmly
rejected. I was happy to see that this bill makes it explicit that
Trump's face cannot be on this collectible coin.
Furthermore, as we speak of the ideals of the Declaration of
Independence, we would be horribly remiss not to recognize the violence
taking place in this country.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has established a
legacy of violence and cruelty. Trump's administration has empowered
and unleashed brutal attacks against Latino, Black, and countless other
communities. They have locked up children and killed innocent people
without fear of consequences, and they celebrate this cruelty and
unapologetically mock the victims.
Therefore, as we attempt to commemorate the founding principles of
this country, we must not turn a blind eye to the very real destruction
that is taking place right here, right now.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1520
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a CBO
estimate for this bill.
EFFECTS ON DIRECT SPENDING AND REVENUES OF LEGISLATION CONSIDERED UNDER SUSPENSION OF THE RULES IN THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9, 2026
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional
Information on
Bill Number Title Effect on Direct Effect on Revenues Direct Spending
Spending and Revenue
Effects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 5616....................... $2.50 for Reduce by at Least None..............
America's 250th $500K.
Act, as amended.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Congressional Budget Office.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), the author of
this bill for our semiquincentennial, and the chair of the House Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee
on Appropriations.
Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the bill that,
as the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee just
mentioned, I was privileged to introduce. It is a bicameral, bipartisan
$2.50 for America's 250th Act in partnership with Congresswoman and
fellow U.S. Semiquincentennial Commissioner Bonnie Watson Coleman, as
well as Commissioners Congresswoman Maria Salazar and Congressman
Dwight Evans.
I thank the chair and ranking member of the Financial Services
Committee for their support for this piece of legislation, as we have
tried to put it together.
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a $2.50
collectible anniversary coin and a viability study for a potential
circulating $2.50 coin for everyday use for every American.
The collectible coin will feature the historical design originally
issued for America's 150th anniversary. This coin will memorialize and
celebrate our moment in American history.
I am grateful for the partnership of my House and Senate colleagues,
especially as the America 250 Caucus is now the largest congressional
caucus in U.S. history, with bipartisan leadership in both Chambers.
As a founding member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission that
was tasked with preparing for our Nation's 250th anniversary
celebration, it has been a privilege over the past decade to work on
bipartisan legislation to honor 250 years of America's independence.
Before I go on, I must recognize what a privilege it has been to
serve with my Democrat sponsor of this legislation, Bonnie Watson
Coleman.
Unfortunately, she is retiring after this Congress, following an
incredible trailblazing career. She will be missed and her voice will
be missed in committee, this Chamber, and the entire institution. I
thank her for her service to our Nation and to the America 250
Commission, in particular.
Madam Speaker, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence was a turning point in the history of the
United States and also the world, one that warrants national
recognition.
I am honored to speak in support of a bill that recognizes this
landmark moment of our collective history through a coin that links our
Nation's past to its present and its future.
In particular, as someone who fondly remembers, as the chairman
mentioned, the bicentennial celebration, even though we were very young
at the time, these coins were issued for that occasion at that time.
These coins gave parents, families, and community members the
opportunity to obtain a physical keepsake to pass down for the next
generation. This is exactly what this legislation would do, as well.
I know that my parents passed the circulating coin down to me, and I
still have them, as well.
This legislation will also carry on the example set by the 68th
Congress that celebrated our Nation's 150th anniversary by authorizing
the United States Mint to commemorate the 150th anniversary of
America's independence.
Beside me right here is an image of the historical design that was
used back in 1926. This bill puts strict design parameters around the
new $2.50 coin
[[Page H2050]]
to continue that tradition. The only changes that will be made are to
update the dates to reflect and celebrate another century that has
passed since this coin was put into circulation 100 years ago.
As America marks its 250th anniversary this year, the coin will honor
the same ideas and values that were recognized back then for the
sesquicentennial in 1926.
Every citizen deserves the opportunity to acquire such a coin as a
means to connect the founding principles of liberty, democracy, and
self-governance. The $2.50 anniversary coin for the 250th anniversary
provides an opportunity for the American people to engage with and to
take personal ownership of their national heritage through a tangible
and lasting tribute.
In addition to the congressionally authorized activities already
planned by the Mint, this new anniversary coin will serve not only as a
lasting tribute to the founding generations but to the ideals that we
share with them to this very day. It also is a unifying and educational
gesture on the occasion of the 250th, or the semiquincentennial, that
we celebrate.
In this day and age, I can find no issue more worthy of Congress'
attention than an initiative that codifies our unity and reminds us
that there will always be more that unites us than divides us.
Madam Speaker, again, I thank my colleague, Bonnie Watson Coleman,
for working with me on this piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues
to vote for this initiative and to follow in the footsteps of our
predecessors in the 68th Congress in 1926 who set an example that will
last for generations to come.
Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman), who has put a lot of work into this
as she serves as the co-chair of the America 250 Caucus and serves on
the Semiquincentennial Commission.
Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Waters
from the great State of California for yielding.
Let me just say, I enjoyed working on this endeavor with my colleague
across the aisle, Mr. Aderholt. It has been a pleasure.
Madam Speaker, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence put into
writing a set of ideals that reshaped this Nation and influenced the
world.
Every major anniversary since has given Americans a chance to reflect
on those principles and what they require of us. The $2.50 for
America's 250th Act continues a long tradition of commemorating our
Nation's milestones through coinage.
This bill authorizes the Treasury to issue a circulating and
collectible $2.50 coin, modeled on the design first issued for
America's 150 anniversary.
That earlier coin connected Americans to their shared history through
something tangible and accessible to all. This legislation does the
very same as we prepare for the semiquincentennial.
As a cofounder and co-chair of the America 250 Caucus and a member of
the America 250 Commission, I am so grateful for the partnership with
Representative Aderholt and my House colleagues on a bipartisan basis
as we prepare the Nation's celebration of America's 250 birthday, which
I pray is bicameral, bipartisan, and able to be enjoyed by all the
people in this country.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation gives us an opportunity to celebrate
the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals
and founding principles of our country, like the rule of law and
separation of powers. Individual freedom, dignity, and equality are
being ruthlessly undermined today by this administration.
{time} 1530
Mr. Speaker, I hope this Chamber's commitment to America's founding
principles is not merely symbolic, somewhat like the coin, but will be
represented in our commitment to protect these principles and exercise
our responsibilities to democracy in the Constitution.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I thank
Mrs. Watson Coleman for all of the work that she has put in on
America250 Caucus.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Aderholt for using this historic precedent
to, again, have a numismatic memory of our semiquincentennial with this
$2.50 coin. I commend him for his work, his loyalty to this country,
and for his service to the people in Alabama.
Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons I explained earlier, I urge my
colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Nunn of Iowa). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5616, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to amend
title 31, United States Code, to require the Secretary of the Treasury
to mint and issue $2.50 numismatic coins, and for other purposes.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________