Election Day is coming — are you registered to vote?
119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 3074· 119th Congress

U.S. Stops Making Pennies, Rounds Cash to Nearest Nickel

Common Cents Act

Sponsor
Lisa McClain (R-MI)
Introduced
Apr 29, 2025
Last Action
Jul 15, 2026
Passage
62%
Introduced
Apr 29, 2025
Committee
Floor Vote
Jul 15, 2026
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Treasury stops producing pennies (except for collectors) immediately upon enactment.
  • All cash transactions must round to nearest amount divisible by five cents.
  • Pennies remain legal tender but disappear from circulation over time.
  • Rule applies to retail sales, wage payments, and any cash transfer.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Businesses save on transaction handling and counting time; consumers see slightly rounded prices at checkout.
  • Low-income workers paid cash wages see potential rounding gains or losses depending on transaction amounts.
  • Collectors lose newly minted pennies but existing pennies retain value.
  • Eliminates ongoing Treasury costs of penny production, which exceeds the coin's face value.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • House passed July 14, 2026. Now in Senate Banking Committee—must clear before full Senate vote.
  • Bill takes effect one year after enactment, giving businesses time to adapt systems.
  • Contact your senator to voice support or opposition before committee hearing.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 15, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • Jul 14, 2026The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
  • Jul 14, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Jul 14, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4433-4434)
  • Jul 14, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Jul 14, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3074.
  • Jul 14, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4432-4438)
  • Jul 14, 2026Mr. Hill (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.