Commems Collection Modern: 2028 Rosie The Riveter - Possible? 119th Congress #01

Note: This is a reintroduction of the bill introduced in the 118th Congress that called for a 2025 commemorative coin program. I posted about it here: 2025 Rosie The Riveter - Possible? #15


Rosie the Riveter Poster from World War II



Bill(s)

- HR 7770 (Introduced January 15, 2025; John Garamendi (D-CA) + 111 Original Co-Sponsors

Short Title

- Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act

Proposed Year of Issue

- 2028

Purpose

To recognize and celebrate the American women who contributed to the Home Front during World War II.

"Congress finds the following:

(1) During World War II, more than six million American women entered the workforce to fill the vacancies left by men who had joined the Armed Forces and support the Home Front. Millions of women already working outside the home shifted to employment in critical industries to support the war effort.

(2) Women went to work or volunteer full-time in factories, farms, shipyards, banks, and other institutions in support of the U.S. military overseas. They worked with the United Service Organizations and the American Red Cross, drove street cars, riveted airplane parts, collected critical materials, rolled bandages, and served on rationing boards.

(3) This women workforce met not only the ever-growing demands for war materials, including equipment, weaponry, ammunition, and military rations, but also the demand for support services in schools, hospitals, and offices.

(4) Collectively, the American women who held employment or volunteered in support of the war effort during World War II have been represented by the iconic image of "Rosie the Riveter".

(5) As riveters, welders, and other laborers, a diverse women workforce played an integral part in shipyards, aircraft factories, and other areas of the defense industrial base.

(6) Women in the workforce faced the "double burden" of responsibilities on the job and at home as the primary caregivers and wage earners during World War II.

(7) "Rosies" persevered often in the face of harassment, discrimination, and prejudice to support their country and families in a time of great need. Despite equal pay regulations, women were regularly paid 10 to 15 cents an hour lower than their male counterparts even during wartime.

(8) Black, Latina, Indigenous, Asian American, and Pacific Islander "Rosies" were subjected to racist discrimination, violence, and harassment at work, at home, and in public. Women of color overcame long-held policies of discrimination and racial segregation to make significant contributions to the war effort and labor market.

(9) Our "Rosies" are a testament to women's empowerment and the invaluable contribution of women to the American war effort during World War II, inspiring future generations of women and girls.

(10) Americans have chosen to honor the women who contributed to the Home Front during World War II, including through the award of a Congressional Gold Medal and the annual celebration of National Rosie the Riveter Day on March 21.

(11) The work, sacrifice, and dedication of our "Rosies" are worthy of national reflection and commemoration.

(12) It is fitting and proper to recognize and preserve the history and legacy of American women who contributed to the Home Front during World War II for their patriotic commitment to their country and perseverance in the face of adversity."

Coins

- Up to 50,000 Gold $5 coins
- Up to 400,000 Silver $1 coins
- Up to 750,000 Clad Copper-Nickel $0.50 coins

Surcharges

- $5 coin: $35
- $1 coin: $10
- $0.50 coin: $5

Sponsor/Beneficiary

- Rosie the Riveter Trust "to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and for educational and commemorative programs."

Comments

As I stated in support of the previous legislation...

IMO, there isn't an argument to be made that factually minimizes the many important roles filled by American women within the Home Front during World War II. The War may very well have turned out differently if they did not step into new roles to support the United States' war effort. Because of this, I would support a commemorative coin program issued in their honor; I believe it is an important component of US history.

I can envision a Young Collector Set that incorporates the Half Dollar, that shares the story of "Rosie" during World War II - I think such would resonate in today's society.

The only meaningful change in the language of the new coin proposal is its change to the coin's issue date - 2028 vs. 2025. Though there is currently only one of the two available commemorative coin slots filled for 2025 (US Marine Corps 250th Anniversary commemorative coin program), the need for ample lead time for design and production of a commemorative coin(s) essentially precluded a 2025 issue request for the "Rosie" coin.

An informative and interesting read can be found here: US Department of Defense - Rosie the Riveter

Likelihood of Passage?

- Per GovTrack: 2% (as of date of this post) (I think it has a better chance!)


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Possible? commemorative coin stories, see: Commems Collection.