Latest news with #TroyDowning
Int'l Business Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Republicans, Dems Hold Separate Crypto Roundtables As Tensions Simmer Over Trump Projects
Donald Trump launched his official memecoin, $TRUMP, ahead of his inauguration. The Official Trump Meme Website / Screenshot Rep. Waters and two other Democratic lawmakers walked out of a scheduled hearing to discuss crypto legislation Republican Troy Downing said 'regulation by enforcement' must be eliminated to promote innovation GOP's Zach Nunn urged lawmakers to help establish a 'clear structure' for crypto businesses Dem Rep. Garcia argued that Trump is prioritizing his crypto projects over the country Dem Rep. Lynch said Trump, through his crypto ventures, 'blatantly violated the ethics laws' Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Sunday held separate cryptocurrency roundtables to discuss crypto policy and recent developments around the emerging sector as Dems and some crypto users raise issue with U.S. President Donald Trump's crypto ventures. World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a DeFi project that Trump has promoted and where his three sons, particularly Eric Trump, are involved in, was most recently in question over a deal with Abu Dhabi government-backed firm MGX and crypto titan Binance. Republicans Urge Crypto Innovation, Rulemaking Clarity In the joint roundtable by Republican members of the House Committee on Agriculture and House Committee on Financial Services, Rep. Troy Downing of Montana said the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under ex-Chair Gary Gensler made it difficult for digital asset innovators to raise capital. If we want digital asset innovation to thrive in the United States, we need clear rules of the road, not regulation by enforcement. The unprecedented dual effort between @FinancialCmte and @HouseAgGOP is making this possible. 📺 Watch my questions from today's roundtable 👇 — Congressman Troy Downing (@RepTroyDowning) May 6, 2025 He said that in order to ensure the United States' leadership in crypto, there must be clear rules of the road and "regulation by enforcement" should be eliminated. Similarly, Rep. Zach Nunn of Iowa urged clear rules for crypto businesses, arguing that prior administrations added to the confusion around rules. He called for legislation to establish a "clear structure" for the industry. Some digital assets are like a chocolate coin. When the coin is "wrapped" it's treated like a security. Once "unwrapped" it functions like a commodity. We can't have two different rules for our digital innovators, which is why we're fighting on @FinancialCmte for a clear… — Congressman Zach Nunn (@ZachNunn) May 6, 2025 Democrats Raise Concerns Over Trump's 'Crypto Corruption' As the Republicans' roundtable ensued, Democratic members, led by ranking member Rep. Maxine Waters of California, held their own roundtable in a different room on Capitol Hill. Notably, Waters objected to a Sunday bipartisan hearing, arguing that House rules require "unanimous consent" to such hearings. She walked out of the hearing after stating that she objects to the hearing because of Trump's "corruption" and "ownership of crypto." Today, Ranking Member @RepMaxineWaters blocked a Republican crypto hearing after the GOP refused to address Trump's rampant crypto corruption. Instead, the Ranking Member walked out and convened a Democratic hearing to discuss how Trump is using the presidency to enrich himself… — House Committee on Financial Services - Democrats (@USHouseFSC) May 7, 2025 Democratic Reps. Sean Casten and Brad Sherman also left the room. Waters later said GOP Committee members refused to discuss Trump's "corruption" in relation to his crypto ventures, which is why she objected to the hearing. In the Democrats' roundtable, Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas pointed out how Trump and his three sons were involved in WLFI's business. As per the project's website and photos of the website's "Team" presented by the congresswoman, the president is the company's "chief crypto advocate," while his three sons were "Web3 ambassadors." Trump isn't just pushing crypto—he's using the presidency to cash in on it. His friends and family are running shady firms like World Liberty Financial while he guts the rules meant to protect hard-working Americans from fraud and abuse. This is pure corruption.@USHouseFSC — Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) May 6, 2025 "So instead of prioritizing his job as our nation's leader, he [Trump] is using his position to strip financial regulators of their independence, all to line the pockets of his friends, his family," Garcia said. Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts said it has never happened in U.S. history where a president has "so blatantly violated the ethics laws" amid concerns of conflicts of interest over Trump's crypto involvement. President Trump's blatant violation of ethics laws and exploitation of the Presidency to further his own financial gain cannot go unchecked. I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to hold this Administration accountable. — Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (@RepStephenLynch) May 6, 2025 He also made sure to call out the "outrageous" private dinner Trump promoted for the top holders of his official meme coin. "That just screams government for sale right there," Lynch said. Trump has yet to comment on the latest development wherein his crypto involvement is at center of lawmaker tensions. © Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Congressman Troy Downing Honored with 2025 Investing in America Award by the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives
Award recognizes legislative champions of alternative investments WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) has awarded Congressman Troy Downing (R-MT) the 2025 Investing in America Award, recognizing his leadership in advancing policies that promote access to alternative investments and support capital formation across the country. The IPA's Investing in America Award is given to lawmakers who demonstrate a clear vision for expanding access to alternative investments and strengthening the U.S. economy through forward-thinking financial policy. Congressman Downing was elected in 2024 to represent Montana's Second Congressional District and currently serves on the influential House Financial Services Committee. His early work in Congress reflects a strong commitment to expanding economic opportunity and empowering more Americans to participate in diversified investment strategies. "Congressman Downing brings a deep understanding of both public and private markets, shaped by his service as Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and a career rooted in entrepreneurship and public service," said Anya Coverman, IPA President & CEO. "He has been a strong advocate for modernizing the accredited investor definition, a key step toward democratizing access to private markets and fostering economic growth." A U.S. Air Force veteran who completed two tours in Afghanistan, Congressman Downing is also a former educator, entrepreneur, and small business owner. His diverse background and pragmatic approach to policy make him a standout leader in Congress and a champion for investors and innovators alike. About the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) serves as the leading industry voice for alternative investments. IPA is the preeminent trade organization championing alternatives—including private real estate, private credit, private equity, infrastructure, and other alternative assets. IPA hosts innovative events and conferences, offering world-class networking opportunities and educational resources, while also engaging in impactful advocacy at both federal and state levels. More information on IPA can be found at or follow IPA on LinkedIn. MEDIA CONTACTErik RancatoreInstitute for Portfolio Alternatives202.978.2467 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Institute for Portfolio Alternatives Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Smoke 'em out
Montana State Auditor Troy Downing, the Republican nominee for Montana's 2nd Congressional District, speaks at a rally in Bozeman on Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Congress is now in recess through April, returning on May 3. This would be an ideal period for our Montana congressional delegation to meet with their constituents – wouldn't it? Don't hold your breath. A check with the four Capitol Hill offices last week revealed not a one of them had plans for an event where he would take questions and provide answers – with the exceptions of Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy visiting a few high school assemblies to talk about service academy nominations they make. Some low-profile, personally selected appearances such as Sheehy at a Belgrade community event or what Rep. Troy Downing's staffer said were small-group or personal visits will occur but there won't be advance notice to the public. Reporters aren't welcome – Sheehy turned his back on a television crew after his talk in Miles City. It seems the best way to keep track of them is to get your own 'X' account which each uses to boast of his activities. Meanwhile, Montana voters have questions, and all four of our millionaire congressmen have pledged to represent all of us, not just those who cast ballots for them. What if folks requested time of them by using congressional websites to fill out the online scheduling request form each has? Bear in mind that each request requires a lot of information such as name of the host, issue area, number of attendees, preferred dates and times, location and reason for meeting. Each also wants to know in advance the names and hometowns of meeting attendees. As there is no information in the request forms for any of the four regarding how requests are accepted, we might assume that any topic about the congressman's work would be regarded as an opportunity to engage in good constituent interchange. I would like to suggest several topics for voters asking for a meeting or appearance as these questions are being raised across Montana: Do you have input or prior notification into agency staff and funding decisions handed down by Department Of Government Efficiency? Do you believe DOGE does enough research and verification before issuing its far-reaching judgments? As each of you have had corporate experience and responsibility, would you have imposed draconian personnel and funding cuts without fully understanding employee roles and responsibilities in your organization? Why are government agencies being dismantled without prior congressional involvement since it was Congress that enabled them in the first place? What will be the role of the 200-some committees and sub-committees in re-forming our government agencies after staff and funding reductions demanded by DOGE? What is your level of concern for DOGE infiltration in protected information areas held by the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare and Medicaid programs and departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and others? Do you support the Supreme Court decision that undocumented immigrants must receive legal due process before being deported? Here is my point: Our state's congressional delegation is heeding the orders of the leaders of the House and Senate reelection campaigns to stop holding in-person town halls. We are not all radical leftists, Marxists, Socialists, deranged Democrats, America-haters and all the other insulting labels being attached to us, citizens who honestly questioning what is happening to our country. If the delegation continues to hide from us – can we smoke 'em out?
Fox News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
New GOP proposal builds off Laken Riley Act with slew of crimes targeting illegals
EXCLUSIVE: Legislation will be introduced Tuesday to expand the list of crimes that would require a migrant to be taken into custody. The "Safeguarding American Property Act" would add arson, vandalism and trespassing to the crimes that would require those in the country illegally to be placed into federal custody. "Property rights are a fundamental American value," Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Those who disregard our laws by committing acts of vandalism or trespassing on private property, especially those who broke our laws crossing our borders, must not be allowed to remain. This bill builds on the good work of the Laken Riley Act and takes another step toward reversing Biden's border crisis. I appreciate the support of the bill's cosponsors, and I look forward to getting this legislation passed into law to keep our communities safe," he continued. Specifically, it would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Montana Republican's legislation is meant to help rural communities, which could have limited law enforcement resources to protect property. Many properties along the southern border faced damage as a result of the high volume of migrants that came across throughout the Biden administration, which triggered the state of Texas to create the Landowner Compensation Program to help repay those in agricultural communities. "Illegal aliens crossing the Texas-Mexico border at Joe Biden's invitation leave behind a trail of destruction that harms Texas agricultural land," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in May 2024. "This program will provide needed relief to Texans whose property is damaged by foreign aliens waved into the country by the federal government. I am glad to help the farmers and ranchers on our borderlands who bear the costs of Biden's destructive policies." Downing's proposal builds off the Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump this winter. The act garnered some bipartisan support, as it made theft, similar criminal charges or assaulting an officer triggers for federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants for potential deportation. The law is named after a late 22-year-old nursing student who was killed by illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra while on a jog on the University of Georgia campus. Ibarra had been arrested in the past but was not taken into ICE custody, and he's now facing life behind bars. "This horrific atrocity should never have been allowed to happen," Trump said at the time, as it was the first bill signed in his second term. "And as president, I'm fighting every single day to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again."
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
It's time to ask about the cuts affecting Montana
Montana State Auditor Troy Downing, the Republican nominee for Montana's 2nd Congressional District, speaks at a rally in Bozeman on Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Troy Downing, our U.S. representative for Eastern Montana, is encouraging participation in a call-in town-hall meeting Monday beginning at 5:30 p.m. our time from his Capitol office. I plan to join it at: I have a list of questions for him but the one I plan to ask is about recent layoffs at the national Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, an internationally known research center working to eliminate deadly infectious diseases. It is another in a series of mystifying directives concocted by who-knows-who from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its 'Workforce Optimization Initiative,' sanctified by President Donald Trump's executive order creating it. Unfortunately, there's a virtual information blackout on the Trump Administration's downsizing process. Government officers and employees are fearful of retribution if they talk, and the congressional majority doesn't want to risk retribution or being 'primaried'– or either they simply don't want to know the details or are operating on blind faith. We can recall 'Hogan's Heroes' and the denials of Sgt. Schultz: 'I know nothing! I see nothing! I hear nothing!' The loss of two dozen jobs at the Ravalli County laboratory is part of 1,200 personnel reductions in the National Institutes of Health, and part of a reduction of 20,000 at the Department of Health and Human Services led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The justification for the cuts is the same verbal pablum being given across the Administration federal service. The reduction announcement said 28 HSS divisions will reduce to 15, 10 regional offices to 5, and widely unrelated skilled offices for human resources, information technology, procurement, public affairs and policy will be merged into a central office. In its propaganda effort – yes, propaganda! – for popular support, the administration uses its all-purpose 'glittering generalities' language with little meaning but big on obfuscation: The reductions are intended to 'reduce bureaucratic sprawl' – determined by whom? 'We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic.' May we ask what these priorities are beyond the glittering generality of 'Make America Healthy Again'? Wouldn't starting with fast-food restaurants and the myriad of snacks at gasoline stations be better places to start to make America healthier? Get Trump off MacDonald's and Diet Coke? Who defines 'healthy?' Downing, who has perhaps the best public relations staff and ' presence of our four-person delegation, joins the other three in clicking his heels, saluting and praising without exception the amorphous Trump agenda. What does Downing really think? Kudos to him for traveling the Eastern District and posting skads of photos chronicling his visits but what has he gained from the conversations he says he has learned from? There is an election coming up and it is not unlikely the campaign will begin in early 2026 – although Downing already is fully engaged in it. It is time we voters know more about what Downing is doing for Montana. Let's ask him. Peter Fox is a retired journalist and journalism teacher who lives in Big Timber.
