House Approves Blockchains Act, Trump Embraces Crypto Fundraising
As the United States House of Representatives gears up for a crucial vote on the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act, another significant bill has passed with a resounding majority.
The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023, approved by a margin of 334–79, has captured attention within the crypto community.
This bipartisan legislation tasks the secretary of commerce, Gina Raimondo, with promoting the competitiveness of the United States in blockchain and distributed ledger technology. The bill designates the secretary as the principal presidential adviser on blockchain matters and outlines various responsibilities, including policy development and research promotion. Additionally, it mandates the formation of an advisory committee comprising governmental, industry, academic, and cultural representatives, which will deliver an annual report to Congress.
Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester and Larry Bucshon introduced the bill, garnering support from unexpected quarters. Notably, the bill gained unanimous approval from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, with endorsements from the Chamber of Digital Commerce and Blockchain Association.
Trump Now Crypto-Friendly
In a related development, the Trump campaign has announced its foray into cryptocurrency fundraising. With a dedicated fundraising page, the campaign now accepts donations in various crypto assets through the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange. This initiative aims to enhance Trump’s image as a crypto-friendly candidate and appeal to young male voters interested in digital assets.
While Trump’s campaign embraces cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, and US Dollar Coin, it also welcomes low-value coins such as Shiba Inu Coin and Dogecoin. The decision to accept cryptocurrency donations highlights the growing prominence of digital assets in political fundraising.
However, questions linger over the handling of cryptocurrency donations, given their anonymous nature and regulatory considerations. Trump’s campaign insists on adhering to election laws but faces challenges in verifying the legitimacy of crypto contributions.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s campaign remains silent on whether it will follow suit in accepting cryptocurrency donations. Despite legal complexities, the Federal Election Commission permits committees to receive bitcoin contributions, recognizing cryptocurrencies as valuable assets.
In summary, the passage of the Deploying American Blockchains Act and Trump’s crypto campaign shows the the fast-paced landscape of cryptocurrency regulation and political fundraising in the United States.
