The Change Corruption Act is a proposed law that aims to keep living or sitting U.S. Presidents off the country's coins and bills. Introduced in December 2025, this bill seeks to maintain the tradition of featuring only deceased leaders on currency, promoting neutrality and preventing any potential self-promotion by current officeholders.
What This Bill Does
The Change Corruption Act, officially known as S.3408, is a straightforward piece of legislation with a single purpose: to prohibit the likeness of any living or sitting President from appearing on United States currency. This means that no coins or bills can feature the face of a President who is currently in office or still alive. The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon and is supported by a few other Democratic senators.
This bill does not amend any existing laws but instead creates a new rule that the U.S. Treasury must follow. Historically, U.S. currency has featured past presidents who have passed away, such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The bill aims to ensure that this tradition continues, avoiding any potential for current leaders to use currency as a means of self-promotion.
The Change Corruption Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been read twice in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. As of now, there have been no further actions, hearings, or votes on the bill, and it remains in the committee for consideration.
Why It Matters
For most Americans, this bill will not have a noticeable impact on their daily lives. The currency in your wallet will remain the same, and there will be no changes to the way money is used or valued. However, the bill carries symbolic importance. It seeks to uphold the tradition of keeping U.S. currency free from political influence by ensuring that only deceased leaders are honored in this way.
The bill could benefit those who are concerned about the potential for political figures to use currency as a tool for self-aggrandizement. By preventing living presidents from appearing on money, the bill aims to preserve the neutrality and historical integrity of U.S. currency. This could help maintain public trust in the nation's financial symbols and institutions.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: There are no significant costs associated with this bill, as it involves minor updates to Treasury guidelines.
- Timeline for Implementation: If passed, the bill would take effect immediately upon signing.
- Number of People Affected: The bill has minimal direct impact, primarily affecting the U.S. Mint and collectors.
- Key Dates: Introduced on December 9, 2025; the 119th Congress ends on January 3, 2027.
- Current Status: The bill is in the Introduced stage and remains in committee with no further action taken.
- Historical Context: The U.S. has traditionally avoided featuring living leaders on currency, a practice rooted in the 1792 Coinage Act.
- Interesting Fact: The bill is one of the shortest active bills in Congress, with only about 100 words.
Arguments in Support
- Prevents Self-Aggrandizement: Supporters argue that the bill stops presidents from using currency to promote themselves, reducing the risk of authoritarianism.
- Upholds Tradition: The bill aligns with the long-standing U.S. practice of featuring only deceased figures on currency, maintaining its neutrality.
- Addresses Corruption Symbolism: The title "Change Corruption Act" suggests a focus on preventing undue influence and glorification of living leaders.
Arguments in Opposition
- Unnecessary Government Overreach: Critics say the bill addresses a non-issue, as there are no current plans to feature living presidents on currency.
- Limits Commemorative Flexibility: The bill could prevent special coins that honor living presidents' achievements after their terms.
- Symbolic Overkill: Opponents argue that the bill fails to address real corruption issues and diverts attention from more pressing legislative matters.