Regulation
Tech Coalition Urges Biden to Support Cryptocurrency Regulation Ahead of US Presidential Election
The Chamber of Progress, a tech industry coalition, has called on President Joe Biden to support comprehensive regulation of cryptocurrencies, touting it as a crucial step in his administration’s attempt to engage young voters ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
In a letter On Tuesday, the chamber highlighted the growing importance of digital assets to a significant portion of the electorate, noting that more than 18 million Americans currently hold or trade cryptocurrencies.
The letter highlighted its particular importance to Gen Z and millennial voters, with more than 50% of those demographics supporting federal policies that encourage the use of digital assets.
The House’s call underscores long-standing concerns among cryptocurrency players for clearer regulation of the sector ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.
“We believe this represents a critical opportunity for your administration to take the lead on an issue that resonates strongly with young voters,” wrote Kyle Bligen, director of financial policy.
The chamber welcomed Biden’s 2022 executive order aimed at ensuring responsible development of Digital assets but criticized the current regulatory landscape, which he considers uncertain and harmful to both investors and innovation.
They pointed to the actions of Biden-appointed Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler, whose stance on regulating digital assets under existing securities laws has come under widespread criticism. legal challenges.
“Consumers have suffered from a period of regulatory uncertainty that has devalued the digital assets they hold and limited their utility,” Bligen writes.
Bligen cited recent lawsuits against major cryptocurrency exchanges as examples of the SEC’s controversial approach.
Despite bipartisan support in Congress for clearer regulatory frameworks, including the recently passed Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, ActThe House expressed disappointment with the administration’s opposition to these measures.
The letter also highlights the political ramifications of regulating cryptocurrencies in the upcoming elections.
Former President Donald Trump capitalized on the current administration’s regulatory ambiguity, reversing his previous stance on crypto and positioning himself as a proponent of American technological leadership.
Trump has won substantial support from cryptocurrency investors and founders by pledging to take a hands-off approach and end the “repression” on the industry.
“With 18 million voters and an election on the line, now is the time to speak out for bipartisan progress on digital asset regulation,” Bligen wrote.