$2.50 for America’s 250th Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/5616
Last Updated: July 12, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

ID: A000055

Follow the money

The bill

$2.50 for America’s 250th Act

HR. 5616, 119th Congress — read as touching Commercial Banks.

The sponsor

Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$119,637 raised

23 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

55% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Federal Reserve" section, p. 770-772 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Received in the Senate.

February 11, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

📍 Current Status

Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose its true purpose.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The $2.50 for America's 250th Act is a numismatic coin program masquerading as a patriotic tribute to the country's founding principles. In reality, it's a vehicle for politicians to grandstand, special interest groups to profit, and bureaucrats to justify their existence.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $2.50 numismatic coins with various metal compositions, weights, and designs. The most notable provision is the requirement for a comprehensive study on the feasibility of minting and issuing a $2.50 coin for wide circulation. This "study" will undoubtedly be a sham, designed to provide cover for the real objective: lining the pockets of special interest groups.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved:

1. Politicians: They get to pretend they're doing something meaningful while actually serving their donors and re-election interests. 2. Special Interest Groups: Numismatic organizations, coin collectors, and related industries will benefit from the increased demand for these commemorative coins. 3. Bureaucrats: The Treasury Department and U.S. Mint will enjoy an excuse to expand their operations and justify their budgets. 4. Lobbyists: They'll be busy "educating" lawmakers on the importance of this bill while secretly pushing for provisions that benefit their clients.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a symptom of a larger disease: the politicization of everything. By exploiting patriotism and national pride, politicians can distract from real issues and further erode trust in government. The actual impact will be minimal, except for:

1. Increased costs: Taxpayers will foot the bill for the production and distribution of these coins. 2. Special interest enrichment: Numismatic organizations and related industries will reap financial benefits from the increased demand for commemorative coins. 3. Further erosion of trust: This bill's transparent attempt to manipulate public opinion will only serve to deepen the cynicism and disillusionment with government.

In conclusion, this bill is a masterclass in legislative sleight-of-hand, designed to deceive the public while serving special interests. It's a numismatic coin program masquerading as patriotism, and we're all just pawns in their game of bureaucratic self-aggrandizement.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$119,637
23 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$4,600
Committees
$0
Individuals
$115,037

No PAC contributions found

1
CHALMERS, ADAMS, BACKER & KAUFMAN LLC
1 transaction
$2,900
2
IMPACT JOURNALS
1 transaction
$1,200
3
SUIT, LLC
1 transaction
$500

No committee contributions found

1
ROBIN, CRAIG A.
1 transaction
$6,600
2
HOKR, BRETT H.
1 transaction
$6,600
3
LESSMANN, KURT M.
1 transaction
$6,600
4
KHALILI, KAVEH
1 transaction
$6,600
5
BUFFALOE, STEPHANIE
1 transaction
$6,600
6
COLLAZO, FRANCISCO JOSE
1 transaction
$6,600
7
HUNT, RAY L.
1 transaction
$6,600
8
MCDANIEL, MARK
1 transaction
$6,600
9
SPITZER, TERRY
1 transaction
$6,600
10
EVERBACH, CHRIS
1 transaction
$5,595
11
COLLAZO, CARMEN ANA
1 transaction
$5,042
12
MANLEY, RICHARD A.
1 transaction
$5,000
13
JONES, DEBORAH
1 transaction
$5,000
14
HINCHMAN, ROBERT CLAYTON
1 transaction
$5,000
15
VICK, BRAD A.
1 transaction
$5,000
16
JOHNSON, TIM E.
1 transaction
$5,000
17
SULLIVAN, VAN A.
1 transaction
$5,000
18
THORNTON, STEVEN L.
1 transaction
$5,000
19
ISENBERG, HENRY LEWIS III
1 transaction
$5,000
20
MCCARTER, TIMOTHY G.
1 transaction
$5,000

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

ID: W000822

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]

ID: S000168

Top Contributors

10

1
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
May 26, 2023
2
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
Jun 7, 2024
3
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
OrganizationMIAMI, FL
$1,000
Dec 19, 2023
4
DIAZ-OLIVER, REMEDIOS MRS.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
5
FALIC, JANA
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualBAL HARBOUR, FL
$6,600
Dec 31, 2023
6
MENDOZA GOMEZ, ROSSY A.
ROSE CAFE • OWNER
IndividualCORAL GABLES, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
7
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Oct 17, 2023
8
WEEKLEY, RICHARD
SELF-EMPLOYED • REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Nov 7, 2023
9
BARQUET, ROY
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP • ATTORNEY
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 6, 2023
10
PETERFFY, THOMAS
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP • CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023

Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]

ID: E000296

Top Contributors

10

1
UNIVERSITY PLACE ASSOCIATES 3.0
OrganizationPHILADELPHIA, PA
$1,000
Dec 28, 2023
2
BRIDGE ACROSS PA PAC
OrganizationBETHLEHEM, PA
$1,000
Jun 5, 2023
3
DILWORTH PAXSON LLP
OrganizationPHILADELPHIA, PA
$1,000
May 19, 2023
4
KLEINBARD LLC
OrganizationPHILADELPHIA, PA
$500
Dec 28, 2023
5
ALLIE, DONNA
TEAM CLEAN INC. • OWNER
IndividualPHILADELPHIA, PA
$3,300
Dec 11, 2023
6
BURNS, PATRICK J.
METRO PHILLY MANAGEMENT • PRESIDENT
IndividualDREXEL HILL, PA
$3,300
Dec 19, 2023
7
MEZZAROBA, ALBERT
SELF • ATTORNEY
IndividualMERION STATION, PA
$3,300
Dec 20, 2023
8
CORDARO, LAURA
EBRM CORP • DEVELOPER
IndividualGLADWYNE, PA
$3,300
Dec 25, 2023
9
DEON SR, PASQUALE T
PROGRESSIVE MANAGEMENT • REAL ESTATE
IndividualFAIRLESS HILLS, PA
$3,300
Dec 27, 2023
10
CRAWFORD, STEVEN M.
S.R. WOJDAK & ASSOCIATES, LP • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
IndividualPHILADELPHIA, PA
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023

Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9]

ID: M001204

Top Contributors

10

1
PRIDE MOBILITY PRODUCTS CORP
OrganizationDURYEA, PA
$2,500
Sep 18, 2024
2
COTLER, YUDACUFSKI, HUEBNER
OrganizationSAINT CLAIR, PA
$1,000
Apr 23, 2024
3
DOWD, JOHN J
SUNDANCE VACATIONS • PRESIDENT
IndividualLEHIGHTON, PA
$6,600
Mar 25, 2024
4
PEYKOFF, ANDY
NIAGARA BOTTLING, LLC • CEO
IndividualLAS VEGAS, NV
$6,600
Mar 22, 2024
5
DOWD, JOHN J
SUNDANCE VACATIONS • PRESIDENT
IndividualLEHIGHTON, PA
$6,600
Sep 18, 2024
6
ROWAN, MARC J
APOLLO MANAGEMENT • MANAGEMENT
IndividualGREENWICH, CT
$6,600
Aug 23, 2023
7
ROWAN, CAROLYN
CAROLYN ROWAN COLLECTION • OWNER
IndividualGREENWICH, CT
$6,600
Aug 23, 2023
8
RICH, BRIAN R MR. JR
GILBERTON COAL CO. • EXECUTIVE SALES
IndividualCONSHOHOCKEN, PA
$6,600
Oct 24, 2024
9
VOLPE, ELLEN M
SELF • HOMEMAKER
IndividualWAVERLY TOWNSHIP, PA
$5,800
May 31, 2023
10
VOLPE, CHARLES J
EXCALIBUR INSURANCE MGMT • PRESIDENT
IndividualWAVERLY TOWNSHIP, PA
$5,800
May 31, 2023

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

ID: F000469

Top Contributors

10

1
ROBU, ELI
AJ GENERAL CONTRACTORS • CONSTRUCTION
IndividualWORLEY, ID
$3,300
Aug 4, 2024
2
SCOTT, JB
SELF EMPLOYED • REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
IndividualBOISE, ID
$3,300
Apr 16, 2024
3
VANDERSLOOT, FRANK
MELALEUCA • CEO
IndividualIDAHO FALLS, ID
$3,300
May 1, 2024
4
TURLINGTON, SCOTT
TAMARACK RESORT • HOSPITALITY
IndividualTAMARACK, ID
$3,300
Apr 20, 2024
5
VANDERSLOOT, BELINDA
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualIDAHO FALLS, ID
$3,300
May 1, 2024
6
BENNETT, BRETT
BENNETT LUMBER • PRESIDENT
IndividualMOSCOW, ID
$3,300
Oct 28, 2023
7
WILLIAMS, LARRY
TREE TOP RANCHES • OWNER
IndividualBOISE, ID
$3,300
Feb 13, 2024
8
CENTERS, JAKE
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMERIDIAN, ID
$3,300
Feb 15, 2024
9
ROOPE, CALEB
THE PACIFIC COMPANIES • CEO
IndividualEAGLE, ID
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024
10
ROOPE, CALEB
THE PACIFIC COMPANIES • CEO
IndividualEAGLE, ID
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024

Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]

ID: B001296

Top Contributors

10

1
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$1,000
Mar 21, 2024
2
WARD, SEAN
BLUE OWL CAPITAL • FINANCE
IndividualBROOKLYN, NY
$6,600
May 25, 2023
3
WARD, HEATHER
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualBROOKLYN, NY
$6,600
May 25, 2023
4
CALLISON, EDWIN H JR
BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE GROUP • EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
IndividualBELLEVILLE, IL
$5,400
Oct 23, 2023
5
SINGH, PRITPAL
SINGH SEMICONDUCTORS, INC • VICE PRESIDENT
IndividualFREMONT, CA
$5,000
Dec 31, 2023
6
WALTERS, CLELIA
CHARTERHOUSE LLC • FOUNDER
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,700
Apr 16, 2024
7
RUBINSTEIN, ANDREW
OBERLAND CAPITAL • HEALTHCARE
IndividualTENAFLY, NJ
$3,300
Dec 5, 2023
8
FRIEDMAN, AVI
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualWHITE PLAINS, NY
$3,300
Nov 20, 2023
9
SANDBERG, SHERYL
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
10
SMITH, MICHAEL D.
CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
IndividualCHEVY CHASE, MD
$3,300
Oct 14, 2023

Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

ID: D000631

Top Contributors

10

1
LEVIN, CARYL
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualELKINS PARK, PA
$5,000
Nov 3, 2024
2
LINDY, ALAN
LINDY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
IndividualAMBLER, PA
$3,500
Oct 28, 2024
3
BECKER, DEBBIE M
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualWYNNEWOOD, PA
$3,300
Nov 4, 2024
4
BECKER, WILLIAM P.
BECKER & FRONDORF • RETIRED
IndividualWYNNEWOOD, PA
$3,300
Nov 4, 2024
5
KRAUSZ, STEVEN
US VENTURE PARTNERS • VENTURE CAPITAL
IndividualPORTOLA VALLEY, CA
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
6
ERICKSEN, EUGENE P
SELF • STATISTICIAN
IndividualPHILADELPHIA, PA
$3,300
Jul 1, 2023
7
FINK, WILLIAM
SELF • CPA
IndividualDOWNINGTOWN, PA
$3,300
Aug 4, 2023
8
LINDY, FRANK
LINDY COMMUNITIES • REAL ESTATE
IndividualELKINS PARK, PA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
9
MILLER, LESLIE ANNE ESQ.
SELF EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY
IndividualBRYN MAWR, PA
$3,300
Aug 24, 2023
10
SCATTONE, FRANCESCO
RENAISSANCE TECHNOLOGIES • FINANCE
IndividualWYNDMOOR, PA
$3,300
Jul 27, 2023

Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]

ID: M001212

Top Contributors

10

1
WINRED TECHNICAL SERVICES
OrganizationARLINGTON, VA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2023
2
ENTERPRISE TARPAULIN PRODUCTS, INC.
OrganizationENTERPRISE, AL
$3,300
Aug 9, 2023
3
WINRED TECHNICAL SERVICES
OrganizationARLINGTON, VA
$3,300
Jul 16, 2023
4
WINRED TECHNICAL SERVICES
OrganizationARLINGTON, VA
$3,300
Jul 16, 2023
5
NORTH MONTGOMERY MATERIALS LLC
OrganizationMILLBROOK, AL
$3,300
Sep 11, 2023
6
PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, P.C.
OrganizationENTERPRISE, AL
$3,300
Aug 21, 2023
7
SOUTHLAND STRUCTURAL LLC
OrganizationFLORALA, AL
$3,300
Aug 22, 2023
8
WATSON GLASS
OrganizationENTERPRISE, AL
$3,300
Sep 13, 2023
9
WATSON GLASS
OrganizationENTERPRISE, AL
$3,300
Sep 13, 2023
10
ARGUTA RESOURCES, LLC
OrganizationEUFAULA, AL
$2,500
Aug 2, 2023

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

ID: F000466

Top Contributors

10

1
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES • CHAIRMAN
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO • CHAIRMAN
IndividualBIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS • PARTNER EMERITUS
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE • CHAIRMAN & CEO
IndividualGENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT • CEO
IndividualAUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]

ID: C001059

Top Contributors

10

1
TABLE MOUNTAIN RANCHERIA
OrganizationFRIANT, CA
$3,300
Oct 30, 2023
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Sep 18, 2024
3
JJF SP TRUST
OrganizationSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
4
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RANCH
OrganizationFRESNO, CA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
5
SALT RIVER PIMA MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$1,000
Jul 31, 2023
6
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Sep 8, 2023
7
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
May 19, 2023
8
CHAPPELL-MCLULLAR TRUST
OrganizationHONOLULU, HI
$500
Mar 2, 2024
9
ARK, MANDEEP
SELF EMPLOYED • INTERPRETER
IndividualFRESNO, CA
$6,500
Aug 14, 2024
10
AFZAL, TEHMINA
SELF EMPLOYED • INTERPRETER
IndividualCHINO HILLS, CA
$6,500
Aug 14, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 62 nodes and 35 connections (47 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $150,237

Top Donors - Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount

3 Orgs20 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 helped.

  • +Commercial Banksconfidence 0.70

    Section 4(b)(6) explicitly requires consultation with commercial banks as stakeholders in the study of a widely circulated $2.50 coin, indicating direct engagement with the industry.

  • +Big Tech Platformsconfidence 0.60

    Section 4(b)(6) requires consultation with stakeholders including commercial banks, cash-handling businesses, consumer groups, and vending and transit industries; while not directly mentioning big tech, the study of a widely circulated $2.50 coin could benefit digital payment platforms if it increases cash usage or integrates with fintech, though connection is indirect.

  • +Crypto & Fintechconfidence 0.50

    Section 4(b)(6) mentions consultation with vending and transit industries, and Section 4(b)(8)(A) includes coordination with the Federal Reserve System and financial institutions; a widely circulated coin could intersect with fintech payment systems, but the bill does not explicitly address crypto or fintech.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Federal Reserve

Weak
Vector: 59%
Pages: 770-772AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on issuing commemorative $2.50 coins with gold and silver content, which only tangentially touches on the Project 2025 theme of commodity-backed money; it does not pursue free banking, gold standard restoration, or any Federal Reserve reform objectives."

Key themes:gold/silver contentcommodity-backed moneymonetary reform

— 737 — Federal Reserve by ensuring that cash earns a positive (inflation-adjusted) rate of return, it can pre- vent households and businesses from holding inefficiently small money balances. Further benefits of free banking include dramatic reduction of economic cycles, an end to indirect financing of federal spending, removal of the “lender of last resort” permanent bailout function of central banks, and promotion of currency competition.26 This allows Americans many more ways to protect their savings. Because free banking implies that financial services and banking would be gov- erned by general business laws against, for example, fraud or misrepresentation, crony regulatory burdens that hurt customers would be dramatically eased, and innovation would be encouraged. Potential downsides of free banking stem from its greatest benefit: It has mas- sive political hurdles to clear. Economic theory predicts and economic history confirms that free banking is both stable and productive, but it is radically different from the system we have now. Transitioning to free banking would require polit- ical authorities, including Congress and the President, to coordinate on multiple reforms simultaneously. Getting any of them wrong could imbalance an otherwise functional system. Ironically, it is the very strength of a true free banking system that makes transitioning to one so difficult. Commodity-Backed Money. For most of U.S. history, the dollar was defined in terms of both gold and silver. The problem was that when the legal price differed from the market price, the artificially undervalued currency would disappear from circulation. There were times, for instance, when this mechanism put the U.S. on a de facto silver standard. However, as a result, inflation was limited. Given this track record, restoring a gold standard retains some appeal among monetary reformers who do not wish to go so far as abolishing the Federal Reserve. Both the 2012 and 2016 GOP platforms urged the establishment of a commis- sion to consider the feasibility of a return to the gold standard,27 and in October 2022, Representative Alexander Mooney (R–WV) introduced a bill to restore the gold standard.28 In economic effect, commodity-backing the dollar differs from free banking in that the government (via the Fed) maintains both regulatory and bailout functions. However, manipulation of money and credit is limited because new dollars are not costless to the federal government: They must be backed by some hard asset like gold. Compared to free banking, then, the benefits of commodity-backed money are reduced, but transition disruptions are also smaller. The process of commodity backing is very straightforward: Treasury could set the price of a dollar at today’s market price of $2,000 per ounce of gold. This means that each Federal Reserve note could be redeemed at the Federal Reserve and exchanged for 1/2000 ounce of gold—about $80, for example, for a gold coin the weight of a dime. Private bank liabilities would be redeemable upon their issuers. Banks could send those traded-in dollars to the Treasury for gold to replenish their

Federal Reserve

Weak
Vector: 58%
Pages: 770-772AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill creates commemorative $2.50 coins for the nation's 250th anniversary, focusing on heritage and numismatics, whereas the Project 2025 Federal Reserve section advocates for monetary reforms such as free banking, a gold standard, or commodity-backed money. Only a tangential connection exists through the use of gold and silver in the coins, but the bill does not pursue any of the policy objectives outlined in Project 2025."

Key themes:precious metalscoinagegold standardmonetary policy

— 737 — Federal Reserve by ensuring that cash earns a positive (inflation-adjusted) rate of return, it can pre- vent households and businesses from holding inefficiently small money balances. Further benefits of free banking include dramatic reduction of economic cycles, an end to indirect financing of federal spending, removal of the “lender of last resort” permanent bailout function of central banks, and promotion of currency competition.26 This allows Americans many more ways to protect their savings. Because free banking implies that financial services and banking would be gov- erned by general business laws against, for example, fraud or misrepresentation, crony regulatory burdens that hurt customers would be dramatically eased, and innovation would be encouraged. Potential downsides of free banking stem from its greatest benefit: It has mas- sive political hurdles to clear. Economic theory predicts and economic history confirms that free banking is both stable and productive, but it is radically different from the system we have now. Transitioning to free banking would require polit- ical authorities, including Congress and the President, to coordinate on multiple reforms simultaneously. Getting any of them wrong could imbalance an otherwise functional system. Ironically, it is the very strength of a true free banking system that makes transitioning to one so difficult. Commodity-Backed Money. For most of U.S. history, the dollar was defined in terms of both gold and silver. The problem was that when the legal price differed from the market price, the artificially undervalued currency would disappear from circulation. There were times, for instance, when this mechanism put the U.S. on a de facto silver standard. However, as a result, inflation was limited. Given this track record, restoring a gold standard retains some appeal among monetary reformers who do not wish to go so far as abolishing the Federal Reserve. Both the 2012 and 2016 GOP platforms urged the establishment of a commis- sion to consider the feasibility of a return to the gold standard,27 and in October 2022, Representative Alexander Mooney (R–WV) introduced a bill to restore the gold standard.28 In economic effect, commodity-backing the dollar differs from free banking in that the government (via the Fed) maintains both regulatory and bailout functions. However, manipulation of money and credit is limited because new dollars are not costless to the federal government: They must be backed by some hard asset like gold. Compared to free banking, then, the benefits of commodity-backed money are reduced, but transition disruptions are also smaller. The process of commodity backing is very straightforward: Treasury could set the price of a dollar at today’s market price of $2,000 per ounce of gold. This means that each Federal Reserve note could be redeemed at the Federal Reserve and exchanged for 1/2000 ounce of gold—about $80, for example, for a gold coin the weight of a dime. Private bank liabilities would be redeemable upon their issuers. Banks could send those traded-in dollars to the Treasury for gold to replenish their — 738 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise vaults. This creates a powerful self-policing mechanism: If the federal govern- ment creates dollars too quickly, more people will doubt the peg and turn in their gold to banks, which then will turn in their gold and drain the government’s gold. This forces governments to rein in spending and inflation lest their gold reserves become depleted. One concern raised against commodity backing is that there is not enough gold in the federal government for all the dollars in existence. This is solved by making sure that the initial peg on gold is correct. Also, in reality, a very small number of users trade for gold as long as they believe the government will stick to the price peg. The mere fact that people could exchange dollars for gold is what acts as the enforcer. After all, if one is confident that a dollar will still be worth 1/2000 ounce of gold in a year, it is much easier to walk about with paper dollars and use credit cards than it is to mail tiny $80 coins. People would redeem en masse only if they feared the government would not be able control itself, for which the only solution is for the government to control itself. Beyond full backing, alternate paths to gold backing might involve gold-con- vertible Treasury instruments29 or allowing a parallel gold standard to operate temporarily alongside the current fiat dollar.30 These could ease adoption while minimizing disruption, but they should be temporary so that we can quickly enjoy the benefits of gold’s ability to police government spending. In addition, Congress could simply allow individuals to use commodity-backed money without fully replacing the current system. Among downsides to a commodity standard, there is no guarantee that the gov- ernment will stick to the price peg. Also, allowing a commodity standard to operate along with a fiat dollar opens both up for a speculative attack. Another downside is that even under a commodity standard, the Federal Reserve can still influence the economy via interest rate or other interventions. Therefore, at best, a commodity standard is not a full solution to returning to free banking. We have good reasons to worry that central banks and the gold standard are fundamentally incompati- ble—as the disastrous experience of the Western nations on their “managed gold standards” between World War I and World War II showed. K-Percent Rule. Under this rule, proposed by Milton Friedman in 1960,31 the Federal Reserve would create money at a fixed rate—say 3 percent per year. By offering the inflation benefits of gold without the potential disruption to the finan- cial system, a K-Percent Rule could be a more politically viable alternative to gold. The principal flaw is that unlike commodities, a K-Percent Rule is not fixed by physical costs: It could change according to political pressures or random economic fluctuations. Importantly, financial innovation could destabilize the market’s demand for liquidity, as happened with changes in consumer credit pat- terns in the 1970s. When this happens, a given K-Percent Rule that previously delivered stability could become destabilizing. In addition, monetary policy when

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Weak
Vector: 57%
Pages: 727-729AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on minting commemorative coins, a Treasury function, but does not address tax reform, rates, or savings accounts emphasized in Project 2025's tax policy section, resulting only a tangential connection."

Key themes:Treasury Departmentcoinagerevenue generation

— 695 — Department of the Treasury The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau collects federal excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition, and is responsible for enforcing and administering laws covering the production, use, and distribution of alco- hol products. The Internal Revenue Service is the largest of the department’s bureaus, account- ing for about 85 percent of Treasury’s personnel and about four-fifths of its appropriated budget. It administers and enforces U.S. tax laws. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing develops and produces U.S. currency notes. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is designed to protect the financial system from illicit use. It also administers the beneficial ownership reporting regime mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act.12 The Bureau of the Fiscal Service provides central payment services to federal program agencies, operates the U.S. government’s collections and deposit systems, provides government-wide accounting and reporting services, manages the collec- tion of delinquent debt owed to the U.S. government, borrows the money needed to operate the government through the sale of U.S. Treasury securities (including the state and local government series), and accounts for and services the public debt. The United States Mint designs and mints U.S. circulating and bullion coins. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters, regulates, and supervises national banks and federal savings associations (thrifts) to ensure that they operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. The OCC also supervises fed- eral branches and agencies of foreign banks and has rulemaking authority for all savings associations. TAX POLICY Tax policy has a powerful impact on the economy. The Treasury Department should develop and promote tax reform legislation that will promote prosperity. To accomplish this, tax reform should improve incentives to work, save, and invest. This, in turn, is accomplished primarily by reducing marginal tax rates,13 reducing the cost of capital14 and broadening the tax base to eliminate tax-induced economic distortions by eliminating special-interest tax credits, deductions, and exclusions. Tax compliance costs will decline precipitously if the tax system is substantially simplified.15 The Treasury Department should also promote tax competition rather than supporting an international tax cartel. Principles of Good Tax Policy. These are the principles governing good tax policy. l First, the tax system should raise the revenue necessary to fund a limited government for constitutionally appropriate activities. It should raise this revenue such that it: (a) applies the least economically destructive forms of — 696 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise taxation;16 (b) has low tax rates on a broad, neutral tax base; (c) minimizes interference with the operation of the free market and free enterprise; and (d) minimizes the cost to taxpayers of compliance with and administration of the tax system. l Second, the tax system should minimize its adverse impact on the family and the core institutions of civil society. l Third, the tax system should be applied consistently—with special privileges for none—and respect taxpayer due process and privacy rights. The current tax system is inconsistent with these principles and needs to be reformed to promote prosperity, reduce compliance costs, and improve fairness. The incoming Administration should promote immediate intermediate reforms to the existing system. It should then pursue fundamental tax reform. Intermediate Tax Reform. The Treasury should work with Congress to sim- plify the tax code by enacting a simple two-rate individual tax system of 15 percent and 30 percent that eliminates most deductions, credits and exclusions. The 30 percent bracket should begin at or near the Social Security wage base to ensure the combined income and payroll tax structure acts as a nearly flat tax on wage income beyond the standard deduction. The corporate income tax rate should be reduced to 18 percent. The corporate income tax is the most damaging tax in the U.S. tax system, and its primary economic burden falls on workers because capital is more mobile than labor.17 Capital gains and qualified dividends should be taxed at 15 percent. Thus, the combined corporate income tax combined with the capital gains or qualified dividends tax rate would be roughly equal to the top individual income tax rate.18 The system should allow immediate expensing for capital expenditures and index capital gains taxes for inflation. In addition, intermediate tax reform should repeal all tax increases that were passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act,19 including the book minimum tax, the stock buyback excise tax, the coal excise tax, the reinstated Superfund tax, and excise taxes on drug manufacturers to compel them to comply with Medicare price controls. The next Administration should also push for legislation to fully repeal recently passed subsidies in the tax code, including the dozens of credits and tax breaks for green energy companies in Subtitle D of the Inflation Reduction Act.20 Universal Savings Accounts. All taxpayers should be allowed to contribute up to $15,000 (adjusted for inflation) of post-tax earnings into Universal Savings Accounts (USAs). The tax treatment of these accounts would be comparable to Roth IRAs. USAs should be highly flexible to allow Americans to save and invest as they see fit, including, for example, investments in a closely held business. Gains from investments in USAs would be non-taxable and could be withdrawn at any

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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