Official legislative records from the U.S. Congress

Rep. Tom Emmer Appointed Vice Chair of Digital Assets Subcommittee, Signals Pro-Crypto Shift

Jan 15, 2025, 03:42 PM

Representative Tom Emmer has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards digital assets under the new administration. Emmer, known for his pro-crypto stance, has pledged to ensure that the future of digital assets is guided by American values, especially with President-elect Donald Trump in the White House. His appointment comes at a time when the crypto industry is looking for regulatory clarity and support from the government. Emmer has been a vocal critic of the Securities and Exchange Commission's approach to cryptocurrency regulation under Chairman Gary Gensler, advocating for a more innovation-friendly environment. President Trump is expected to issue a major crypto-related executive order within hours of taking office, with insiders hinting at wider reforms in the pipeline. Emmer has spearheaded the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act to block the Federal Reserve from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency without Congressional approval. He has also expressed confidence in the inevitability of crypto legislation, citing growing bipartisan support for innovation in the space, and outlined his vision for a Republican-led government in 2025, prioritizing market structure frameworks like FIT21.