A Texas Republican congressman has proposed putting in cryptocurrency ATMs in United States federal buildings. Rep. Lance Gooden wrote a Could 1 letter to Stephen Ehikian, who’s presently appearing administrator for the Normal Providers Administration (GSA), information experiences stated.
Trump Ally Frames Proposal As “Academic Useful resource”
Gooden, one of many president’s well-known Republican allies, really helpful in his letter that putting in crypto ATMs in authorities buildings can be an “instructional useful resource” for the general public.
He requested that the GSA begin exploring tips and laws essential for putting in such machines on federally owned properties throughout the nation.
Public paperwork filed with the Home of Representatives point out Gooden has not declared any cryptocurrency funding or ATM corporations since being elected in 2019. There aren’t any reported monetary disclosures in public data obtainable for the Texas consultant as of 2025.
Gooden's letter recommending crypto ATMs to GSA. Supply: Rep. Lance Gooden
Authority Questions Unanswered
The GSA regulates and manages government-owned properties. Though its web site states that it might probably supply house for federal credit score union ATMs, it isn’t sure if Ehikian can prolong these laws to digital asset ATMs supplied by non-public firms.
Experiences counsel Ehikian, who was sworn in by US President Donald Trump, could not have a mandate to introduce most of these ATMs with out consent from Congress. Experiences additionally disclose that the funds for such an endeavor could demand an act of Congress.
President’s Crypto Connections Elevate Questions
In the meantime, Trump has in depth engagement with digital cash and asset corporations throughout a number of avenues. These vary from his particular person investments, presidential marketing campaign accounts, family-backed enterprises, and the TRUMP meme coin.
Trump reportedly hosted a dinner in Washington, DC in April for the main holders of his meme coin. This hyperlink creates questions relating to potential coverage influences relating to cryptocurrency infrastructure in authorities buildings.
Senate Considers Harder Crypto ATM Rules
Gooden’s invoice comes as legislators within the Senate are contemplating payments to fight fraud utilizing digital forex ATMs. Final February, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin launched the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with the objective of building “frequent sense guardrails” towards scams which have harm many aged People.
The timing gives a telling distinction between Gooden’s initiative to broaden entry to crypto know-how and Durbin’s push for extra safety from attainable abuse of the identical techniques.
This brings to the fore the talk surrounding tips on how to obtain a steadiness between innovation and client safety on this planet of cryptocurrencies.
Featured picture from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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