Movement To Replace Jackson With Woman On 20 Bill Gains Momentum

WASHINGTON -- Hot on the heels of 1920's 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, is this year's growing support to replace Andrew Jackson's stormy visage on the $20 bill with a lady.

Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) introduced the Put a Woman on the Twenty Act, a bill calling for the image of a woman's portrait to be displayed on the $20 note. According to Gutiérrez, the one place women are not represented is on U.S. banknotes. Not since the 19th century, when Martha Washington's portrait was briefly featured on the $1 silver certificate, has there been a woman on U.S. paper currency.

"Recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of women throughout American history on U.S. paper currency makes a powerful statement to my daughters and to young women across this country and to people across the globe who look to America as an example of inclusion and equal rights," the Illinois congressman said.

The bill, which has not yet received an H.R. designation, directs the Treasury Secretary to convene a special commission to receive public recommendations for an appropriate woman to be portrayed on the twenty. An independent organization, Put A Woman On 20s, has set up a website.

The $20 denomination is the most widely circulated banknote in the U.S. President Obama has come out in favor of replacing Old Hickory with a woman, while suspected opponents of the plan have taken a wait and see attitude.