H.R.1761, formally titled the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 27, 2025, by Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC). The bill is short and direct: it would amend the Federal Reserve Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to print $250 Federal Reserve notes featuring a portrait of Donald J. Trump, to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.
What the bill actually says
The legislative text contains three operative sections. Section 1 sets the short title. Section 2 expresses the sense of Congress that $250 bills bearing Trump's portrait should be printed to mark the semiquincentennial. Section 3 directs the Treasury to begin printing the notes within one year of enactment, and creates a one-time exemption to the existing federal prohibition on living individuals appearing on U.S. currency.
Who introduced it and who supports it
Wilson is the bill's primary sponsor. The original cosponsors, listed at introduction, were Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Darrell Issa (R-CA). As of the most recent congressional reporting the bill has roughly 15 cosponsors, all Republicans.
Where it stands today
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services after introduction and remains in committee. It has not received a hearing or a markup. In congressional procedure, that means the legislation is technically alive but has not advanced toward a floor vote. Multiple outlets covering the late-May 2026 Treasury Department developments have described the underlying legislation as "stalled" or "languishing."
Why a $250 denomination?
The choice of $250 ties directly to the semiquincentennial: 250 years of American independence, marked on July 4, 2026. Wilson's press release at introduction also framed the larger denomination as a response to inflation, arguing that higher-value notes would let families "carry less cash."
What happens next
For the bill to become law, the House Financial Services Committee would need to hold a markup, the full House would need to pass it, the Senate would need to take it up and pass companion or identical legislation, and the President would need to sign it. None of those steps has occurred. The Treasury Department has separately stated it is conducting "appropriate planning and due diligence" in case the legislation becomes law.