US Congressman Ro Khanna, who represents California's 17th Congressional District, is scheduled to host a roundtable on Bitcoin and blockchain in Washington, D.C., in early July, according to a private email sent by Khanna's office, and seen by Bitcoin Magazine.
Khanna's office described the upcoming meeting as “the most important meeting between policymakers and blockchain innovation leaders to date.”
Officials from the Biden administration, the House of Representatives and the Senate are expected to participate in the roundtable, along with American businessman Mark Cuban, according to the email. The primary goal of this meeting is to develop a strategy on how to “sustain Bitcoin and blockchain innovation in the United States.”
The initiative is seen as a response to former President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of the Bitcoin industry. Trump recently became the first president to accept Bitcoin Lightning payments in exchange for campaign donations.
Last night, Trump Pledge To “end Joe Biden’s war on cryptocurrencies” and ensure that the future of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies will be made in America. Earlier this week, Trump too Hosted A roundtable at Mar-a-Lago with some of the country's largest Bitcoin miners, committed to supporting Bitcoin mining in Washington, D.C. and on the world stage.
Over the past four years, the Biden administration has taken a hostile stance toward the bitcoin and cryptocurrency industry. Most recently, on May 31, President Biden It was overturned Legislation that would have allowed highly regulated financial institutions to incubate Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) also has Arrested The founders and CEO of Samourai Wallet, a popular Bitcoin mixing service, were charged with money laundering, in April this year.
In May 2023, Biden comparison Cryptocurrency traders to “wealthy tax evaders” and, in March, his administration published An economic report harshly criticizes Bitcoin mining and proof of work while promoting central bank digital currency (CBDC). As did the Biden administration Proposal A 30% tax on electricity used in Bitcoin mining, arguing that it hinders the transition to a low-emissions energy future.
This upcoming roundtable signals a shift in Washington's approach to the cryptocurrency industry, and could represent a rise in sentiment among Democrats, given Khanna's party affiliation.
Earlier this week, it was mentioned The Biden administration is in talks to accept cryptocurrency donations through Coinbase Commerce, following Trump who also began accepting donations through Coinbase as well.