AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 10, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Directs the Department of Treasury to stop producing pennies for general circulation, though pennies remain legal tender and production continues for collectors
- Requires cash transactions and wage payments to be rounded up or down to the nearest amount divisible by five cents
- Allows Treasury to discontinue minting any coin for circulation if specified procedures including Congressional notice and briefing are followed
- Permits nickels to be composed of alternative materials, including zinc cores clad with nickel outer layers, in addition to traditional copper-nickel alloys
- Requires the Federal Reserve Board to periodically report on a strategic plan for penny acceptance at commercial coin terminals
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Documented effect: Eliminates new penny production for everyday use while preserving its legal tender status and collector availability
- Documented effect: Standardizes cash transaction rounding across all commercial and wage payment contexts
- Documented effect: Creates a process for potential future discontinuation of other coins, subject to Congressional notification
- Effect on actual adoption and market behavior of rounding requirements is not established in the official summary
- Economic impact on consumers, retailers, or Federal Reserve operations is not quantified in the official summary
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed the bill via voice vote under suspension of rules on September 14, 2026
- Senate received the bill on September 15, 2026, and referred it to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- No further action recorded as of the latest update
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Sep 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5599-5601)
- Sep 14, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5599-5602)
- Sep 14, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Sep 14, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 10167.