Statement of Congressman Brad Sherman on Proposal to Put Ronald Reagan on $50 bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) issued the following statement concerning the proposal to replace the image of Ulysses S. Grant on the $50 bill with Ronald Reagan.

“History has made its verdict, and Reagan's policies are controversial. Grant was in favor of winning the Civil War and keeping the Union together. The currency is not a place to score cheap political points. Our currency ought to be something that unites us,” he said. “Even Nancy Reagan opposed previous proposals to change existing U.S. currency to reflect her husband’s image. We should respect her wishes.”

"While I can understand the intentions of those seeking to place my husband's face on the dime, I do not support this proposal and I am certain Ronnie would not. When our country chooses to honor a great president such as Franklin Roosevelt by placing his likeness on our currency, it would be wrong to replace him with another. It is my hope that the proposed legislation will be withdrawn," former First Lady, Nancy Reagan said in a statement. (National Review, 12/10/03).

In spite of Nancy Reagan’s comments, radio personality Rush Limbaugh called Sherman “a real whack job” for opposing the measure.