A Senator from Alabama is introducing a new bill that could potentially stifle the government from restricting top digital asset Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies as investment options for 401(k) retirement plans. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville is unveiling the Financial Freedom Act of 2022, which would counter attempts by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) […]
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Ten members of the U.S. House of Representatives have called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to address the problem with the crypto provision in the infrastructure law. They explained that the current definition of a broker in the law “would increase uncertainty in the cryptocurrency industry, pick winners and losers … all while eroding our […]
Congress has passed the Biden administration’s bill aimed at improving infrastructure, fighting climate change, and bolstering social services. The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which also expands the definition of a broker, awaits U.S. president Joe Biden’s signature after passing with a vote of 228–206 on Friday. Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Passes to the Tune of $1.2 […]
The Consumer Safety Technology Act passed quickly in the House, and if enacted would require the study of blockchain tech and digital tokens.
A bipartisan bill that requires the study of blockchain technology and digital tokens passed the House of Representatives on June 22.
The “Consumer Safety Technology Act'' is centered on consumer protection and includes digital token and blockchain research. The bill passed the 117th Congress within a week of its introduction, with a resounding 325 votes in favor of, and 103 votes against.
This is not the first time this bill has reached this point however, and under the Trump administration, the bill passed the House in September 2020. It was then referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation before being shot down in the Senate.
Among other things, the bill calls for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to deploy a pilot AI program to aid consumer safety inspections, such as identifying consumer product hazards and tracking trends related to injuries involving consumer products.
Additionally, it calls for the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to “study and report on the use of blockchain technology and digital tokens.”
Democrat representative for California’s 9th district, Jerry McNerney sponsored the bill, which was co-sponsored by Democrat Darren Soto, along with Republicans Warren Davidson, Van Taylor, Michael Burgess, and Brett Guthrie.
The Consumer Safety Technology Act also includes two other bills touching on crypto. One is the Blockchain Innovation Act along with parts of the Digital Taxonomy Act which mandate the FTC report on “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in transactions relating to digital tokens.” Rep. Soto first introduced the latter bill in April 2019, but did not receive a single vote at the time.
Both bills are aimed at stopping deceptive acts related to crypto from individuals and “unscrupulous companies.”
Our #blockchain & #cryptocurrency bills with @RepGuthrie & @WarrenDavidson just passed the House as part of @RepMcNerney’s #ConsumerSafetyTechnologyAct. US must remain on the forefront of emerging technologies by fostering innovation & ensuring consumer protection. pic.twitter.com/vhI3FuVJJG
— Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) June 22, 2021
Related: Will regulation adapt to crypto, or crypto to regulation? Experts answer
On the House Floor, Soto emphasized the importance of ensuring consumer protection from volatility and crim:
“When we look at market volatility, the use of cryptocurrency for ransomware, and recent attacks like the Colonial Pipeline and tax evasion, it’s critical that we get on the front end of this.”
The Blockchain Innovation Act requires the study of investment trends in the crypto industry, the potential risks and benefits of blockchain tech designed for consumer protection, and areas in which regulation could foster domestic innovation.
