Rep. Elise Stefanik (Official congressional photo)

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik celebrated the passage of an act she authored which authorizes the minting of coins commemorating women’s suffrage and the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment on Monday, after it was signed into law by President Donald Trump.

“I am honored that President Trump signed the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act into law,” Stefanik said in a press release. “The majority of voters in our country are women, and it is my hope that this legislation will encourage women across the country to continue to be active participants in civic life.”

The bill was introduced along with Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich. in May, and was passed by the House in October. A companion bill in the Senate, led by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, passed shortly after.

This legislation authorizes the Department of Treasury to mint 400,000 $1 silver coins in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which guaranteed women’s right to vote.

Speaking about this legislation on the House floor in October, Stefanik said the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls in 1848, and that 72 years later, in August 1920, the women’s suffrage movement resulted in the 19th Amendment.

“During this tumultuous time, generations of brave suffragists dedicated their lives, refusing to give up in their fight for a better and more equitable future,” Stefanik said.

The 19th Amendment was passed 140 years after the Declaration of Independence was written.

“I know myself I am looking forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary next year in my district, where one of the most vocal advocates for women’s suffrage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was born and raised in Johnstown,” Stefanik said. “I would not have the opportunity to serve in this body today were it not for the bravery and determination of generations of suffragists.”