But it did not say if she was still part of the redesign.

“The redesign of the next currency series is still in the early stages, and neither the final designs nor all features have been finalized for the new notes,” wrote Drew Maloney, the Treasury’s assistant secretary for legislative affairs. “For this reason, the department is unable to provide additional information regarding the potential designs at this time.”

It was also unclear when the redesign would be made public or be ready for circulation. Mr. Maloney said it would likely be more than 10 years before the new $20 note is released.

Ms. Shaheen took the response as a bad sign for the plan to put Tubman on the $20 bill.

“I am severely disappointed by the Trump administration’s failure to prioritize the redesign of the $20 bill to honor Harriet Tubman, and other trailblazing women and civil rights leaders,” Ms. Shaheen said in a statement. “Now that plan has been shelved without notice or reason.”

She added: “I’ll continue to press the Treasury Department to expedite the redesign of the $20 bill and keep its promise to the American people.”

A Treasury spokeswoman had no additional comment.

Lydia Washington, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which is overseen by the Treasury Department, said she had received no new guidance beyond that set forth by Mr. Lew. She said that the redesign process remained on schedule, but that the ultimate timeline would be dictated by the agency’s ability to design security features needed to prevent counterfeiting, and by Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary.