A Texas Republican congressman has proposed putting in cryptocurrency ATMs in United States federal buildings. Rep. Lance Gooden wrote a Might 1 letter to Stephen Ehikian, who’s presently appearing administrator for the Basic Companies Administration (GSA), information reviews mentioned.
Trump Ally Frames Proposal As “Instructional Useful resource”
Gooden, one of many president’s well-known Republican allies, really helpful in his letter that installing crypto ATMs in authorities buildings can be an “academic useful resource” for the general public.
He requested that the GSA begin exploring tips and laws mandatory 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 accessible 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 may provide area for federal credit score union ATMs, it’s not sure if Ehikian can lengthen these laws to digital asset ATMs offered by personal corporations.
Experiences recommend Ehikian, who was sworn in by US President Donald Trump, could not have a mandate to introduce some 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 intensive 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 concerning potential coverage influences concerning 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 foreign money ATMs. Final February, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin launched the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with the objective of building “widespread sense guardrails” towards scams which have harm many aged Individuals.
The timing supplies a telling distinction between Gooden’s initiative to increase entry to crypto know-how and Durbin’s push for extra safety from doable abuse of the identical programs.
This brings to the fore the talk surrounding the right way to obtain a steadiness between innovation and shopper safety on this planet of cryptocurrencies.
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