What is constantly an issue, both now and in the future, is the concept of regulating and understanding blockchain and digital currency technology at a government level. The U.S. Government is taking steps to better understand this industry with their new Congressional Blockchain Caucus.
Blockchain Caucus Will Educate Lawmakers
Spearheaded by Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), this will create a soundboard for future policy creation dealing with blockchain technology and the growing world of digital currency.
The term caucus might imply that this might be a one-off meeting, however this will be a continuing forum for ongoing education and policy reform in the field of distributed ledger technology.
“Blockchain has the potential to transform the 21st-century economy,” Polis said. “Lawmakers need to understand that as the world rapidly changes, it’s our responsibility to ensure that we craft policies and adopt laws that match our ingenuity.”
Blockchain’s potential to reshape everything from the financial industry, to supply chains, to cyber security, to health care is something we should embrace.
Mulvaney Replaced by Schweikert
This blockchain technology initiative has actually been in the making for over a year, led by Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) who has to spend much of the last two years looking to get Washington politicians educated on the industry. With Mulvaney currently undergoing confirmation in the Senate as President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Schweikert replaces Mulvaney.
“Open blockchain networks and distributed ledger technologies are still new, but it’s critical for members of Congress to begin comprehending both their current applications and future use cases,” Rep. Schweikert said. “It is critically important the United States remain competitive regarding emerging technologies, and distributed ledger technology is the open, secure, efficient technology backbone we’ve been looking for.”
Building this platform will also allow a clearer path for members of the Bitcoin community to add value and education to a group of governors who will truly need their expertise, going forward. This moves in marked contrast to how Japan has mishandled the adoption of digital currency and blockchain technology without proper input from industry leaders.
The move was applauded by influencers such as Jerry Brito of Coin Center and Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce.
“Blockchain technology is one of the most important inventions in modern finance,” stated Perianne Boring. “[The] key to unleashing the power of this technology is collaboration and engagement between the industry and policy makers. [We] look forward to playing a significant role in the development of this sector by working with Rep. Polis, Rep, Schweikert and the Blockchain Caucus towards building a legal environment that fosters innovation, jobs, and investment.”
Will the Blockchain Caucus have a positive impact on Bitcoin adoption? Share your thoughts below!
Images courtesy of Wikimedia, Shutterstock, CDC
