Search Results for: U.S. House of Representatives

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The Department of Homeland Security has formed the “Darknet Marketplace and Digital Currency Crimes Task Force,” an interagency group aimed at investigating crypto and darknet crimes and increasing collaboration. The Task Force will play a crucial role in mitigating criminal activity impact while balancing regulation and innovation in the evolving crypto industry.

A Congressional hearing discussed the Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft, aiming to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets. The industry seeks regulatory clarity amid concerns that insufficient action could have “devastating consequences” for the U.S.’s global digital economy competitiveness.

The SEC extended the comments period for amending Rule 3b-16, facing criticism from the Blockchain Association and Republican committee members for its potential negative impact on the crypto industry. Opponents argue that the proposal’s broad language could capture a wide range of individuals, exceeding the agency’s authority and raising constitutional concerns.

U.S. lawmakers introduced the SEC Stabilization Act, intending to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler over allegations of misconduct and abuse of power. However, removing an independent agency official is legally complex, involving criteria like inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. The act could restructure the SEC and shift authority among commissioners.

The SEC, led by Gary Gensler, recently filed charges against Coinbase, citing existing U.S. laws to regulate cryptocurrencies. However, ongoing bills in Congress, such as the Digital Asset Market Structure and Investor Protection Act, could undermine these actions and demonstrate Gensler’s potential overreach.

Recent opposition from Republican lawmakers to a central bank digital currency (CBDC) raises concerns over government surveillance and privacy threats, as they argue a digital dollar could grant federal officials unprecedented access to individuals’ financial data. The future of the Federal Reserve’s potential pilot program remains uncertain amid intensified debate surrounding CBDCs.

The latest U.S. debt ceiling bill draft potentially eliminates a proposed 30% tax on electricity used by cryptocurrency miners, as part of President Biden’s FY2024 budget. The legislation, aiming to prevent a government debt default, still needs congressional approval.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis addressed concerns over President Biden’s proposed 30% excise tax on Bitcoin miners, stating it could negatively impact both Bitcoin mining and national security. Although lawmakers remain skeptical due to criminal activity associations, Lummis emphasizes the importance of promoting Bitcoin mining in the US for energy security and potential environmental advantages.

The House Committee on Financial Services’ new Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion debated two proposed bills for stablecoin regulation, highlighting the need for a balance between state and federal control. The ongoing discussion emphasizes finding a suitable middle ground that fosters innovation and guarantees stakeholders’ best interests.

The major questions doctrine, a legal principle in U.S. administrative law, could potentially diminish the SEC’s authority in regulating the cryptocurrency industry. Kraken’s Chief Legal Officer, Marco Santori, believes this concept is relevant as lawmakers deliberate on cryptocurrency regulations and should be considered by the SEC and CFTC.

President Joe Biden nominates economist Philip Jefferson and former chief economist Adriana Kugler for critical roles in the Federal Reserve, impacting the U.S. government’s approach to cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the potential introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee and crypto community criticize the SEC’s proposed advisory clients custody rule, arguing it oversteps authority and affects the banking and digital asset industries negatively. The rule could impose burdensome regulations on banks and hinder digital assets’ growth and innovation, necessitating a reconsideration of the proposal.

The SEC faces challenges in crafting digital asset regulations that protect investors without stifling innovation. Lawmakers express frustration over the regulatory body’s lack of clarity, while the future role of the SEC and Congress in shaping crypto regulations remains uncertain.

Florida’s anti-CBDC legislation, SB 7054, explicitly prohibits the use of central bank digital currencies as a digital medium of exchange, aiming to protect Floridians’ financial privacy. Set to come into effect on July 1, 2023, this legislation highlights growing concerns over potential privacy and political repercussions linked to CBDCs.