U.S. Congressman Pitches Crypto ATMs for Federal Government Buildings
A Texas congressman is asking the federal government to consider installing cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings as a way to help foster the pro-digital assets stance pushed by President Donald Trump.
Representative Lance Gooden asked the chief of the General Services Administration — the agency that maintains the government's buildings and real estate — to look into putting the automated teller machines into those facilities as a "signal to the public that the government is embracing innovation in a secure and responsible manner," according to a Thursday letter reviewed by CoinDesk.
"Expanding accessibility to crypto ATMs within federal buildings aligns with President Trump's vision of positioning the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology," he said.
The GSA already hosts some traditional ATMs in a few of its facilities, according to its website.
The letter requested GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian review the feasibility of executing the proposal in a way that includes "clear guidelines for the installation and operation of crypto ATMs, focusing on robust identity verification measures and transparency in transaction fees."
This proposal lands as the devices have drawn attention for their use in scams, inspiring Senator Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, to push the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act that would put limits on big transactions. And New Jersey is weighing a new bill that would require the ATM operators to warn users about potential scams and provide live customer service.
At least one of the ATM operators, Bitcoin Depot, reported last month that transactions and revenue from the machines were down, even as bitcoin (BTC) trading grew during the recent rise in the price.
Gooden's committee assignments don't put him in direct touch with the crypto legislation currently moving through Congress, though advocacy group Stand With Crypto has given him an "A" grade for industry friendliness. As a freshman congressman in 2019, Gooden co-authored a bill to declare that managed stablecoins should be regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, but more recently, he co-sponsored legislation that opposed a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC) — aligning with the industry in general opposition of government digital dollars.Sign in to access your portfolio
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
36 minutes ago
- USA Today
Will Trump invoke the Insurrection Act? 'We'll see,' he says
Will Trump invoke the Insurrection Act? 'We'll see,' he says Show Caption Hide Caption Anti-ICE raid demonstrators protest into fourth night Anti-immigration raid protests are continuing into the fourth night as the Pentagon deployed active-duty U.S. Marines. President Donald Trump mulled invoking the Insurrection Act, which would give him more leeway to use the military for domestic purposes, as he deploys troops to Los Angeles in response to protests prompted by ICE raids in the region. "If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it,' Trump said June 10 during an event in the White House. 'We'll see. But I can tell you, last night was terrible. The night before that was terrible." Trump deployed the California National Guard to Los Angeles over the objection of Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparking a lawsuit from the state. Marines were also sent to help the guard after protests erupted over his immigration enforcement efforts. The troops are limited to protecting federal property and law enforcement officers. The Insurrection Act would give Trump authority to use them more broadly. More: 'High-stakes game': Trump-Newsom clash pits two political heavyweights Trump said there were parts of Los Angeles on June 9 where "you could have called it an insurrection. It was terrible." Newsom described Trump's actions as "the acts of a dictator" and accused the president of 'inciting and provoking violence,' 'creating mass chaos,' and 'militarizing cities.' Legal experts say invoking the Insurrection Act is an extreme step. It has been done 30 times in U.S. history. "The invocation of it would be viewed as a pretty dramatic act," said Duke Law Professor H. Jefferson Powell. Powell said the law is "dangerously broad." The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was in May 1992, by President George H.W. Bush at the request of California's governor, to quell rioting in Los Angeles after four White police officers were acquitted for beating Black motorist Rodney King.
Bloomberg
36 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Hegseth Defends Trump Decision to Send Marines to Los Angeles
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says President Donald Trump was legally allowed to deploy Marines into Los Angeles, telling Congress that the Trump administration wants to protect immigration agents and keep demonstrations there from getting out of control. The deployment is estimated to cost $134 million and last 60 days. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
US still dependent on Canadian oil, despite Trump's claims, Cenovus CEO says
CALGARY (Reuters) -The U.S. is still reliant on Canadian oil imports, despite claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump, Cenovus Energy's CEO said on Tuesday at a conference in Calgary, Alberta. Trump has threatened on-again, off-again tariffs on Canada's oil, of which nearly 4 million barrels per day are exported to the United States. Canada also remains dependent on U.S. energy systems, Cenovus CEO Jon McKenzie said, adding the country must diversify its customer base. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
