U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, who represents California’s 17th congressional district, will be hosting a Bitcoin and blockchain roundtable in Washington, D.C. in early July, according to a private email sent from Congressman Khanna’s office and viewed by Bitcoin Magazine.
Kana’s office described the meeting as “the most significant gathering to date between policymakers and innovation leaders in the blockchain space.”
According to the email, the roundtable will include officials from the Biden administration, House of Representatives and Senate, as well as American businessman Mark Cuban. The main goal of the meeting will be to strategize on how to “keep Bitcoin and blockchain innovation in the United States.”
The effort is seen as a response to former President Donald Trump’s recent support for the bitcoin industry. recently He will be the first president to accept Bitcoin Lightning payments as campaign contributions.
Trump last night Pledged “End Joe Biden’s crypto wars” and ensure the future of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies is made in America. Earlier this week, Trump also host Held a roundtable with the nation’s largest bitcoin miners at Mar-a-Lago, Involved Supporting Bitcoin mining both in Washington DC and globally.
Over the past four years, the Biden administration has taken a hostile stance towards Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency industry. Most recently, on May 31, President Biden Rejected A bill that would allow highly regulated financial institutions to store bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) also arrested In April of this year, the founder and CEO of Samourai Wallet, a popular bitcoin mixing service, was arrested on money laundering charges.
May 2023, Biden By comparison In March, the administration wrote that cryptocurrency traders were “wealthy tax evaders.” Published The economic report strongly criticizes Bitcoin and proof-of-work mining while promoting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The Biden administration also was suggested They argue that a 30% tax on electricity used for bitcoin mining would hinder the transition to a low-emissions energy future.
The upcoming roundtable could signal a change in Washington’s approach to the cryptocurrency industry and, given Kana’s party affiliation, a warming of sentiment among Democrats.
Earlier this week, report The Biden administration is in talks to accept cryptocurrency donations through Coinbase Commerce, following the Trump administration’s decision to begin accepting donations through Coinbase.
