A Texas Republican congressman has proposed putting in cryptocurrency ATMs in United States federal buildings. Rep. Lance Gooden wrote a May 1 letter to Stephen Ehikian, who’s presently appearing administrator for the General Services Administration (GSA), information experiences stated.
Trump Ally Frames Proposal As “Educational Resource”
Gooden, one of many president’s well-known Republican allies, really useful in his letter that installing crypto ATMs in authorities buildings can be an “educational resource” for the general public.
He requested that the GSA begin exploring tips and rules needed for putting in such machines on federally owned properties throughout the nation.
Public paperwork filed with the House of Representatives point out Gooden has not declared any cryptocurrency funding or ATM corporations since being elected in 2019. There are not any reported monetary disclosures in public data accessible for the Texas consultant as of 2025.
Gooden's letter recommending crypto ATMs to GSA. Source: Rep. Lance Gooden
Authority Questions Unanswered
The GSA regulates and manages government-owned properties. Although its web site states that it could actually supply area for federal credit score union ATMs, it’s not sure if Ehikian can lengthen these rules to digital asset ATMs supplied by personal corporations.
Reports counsel Ehikian, who was sworn in by US President Donald Trump, might not have a mandate to introduce all these ATMs with out consent from Congress. Reports additionally disclose that the funds for such an endeavor might demand an act of Congress.
President’s Crypto Connections Raise Questions
Meanwhile, 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 concerning potential coverage influences concerning cryptocurrency infrastructure in authorities buildings.
Senate Considers Tougher Crypto ATM Regulations
Gooden’s invoice comes as legislators in the Senate are contemplating payments to fight fraud utilizing digital forex ATMs. Last February, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin launched the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with the purpose of building “common sense guardrails” towards scams which have harm many aged Americans.
The timing gives a telling distinction between Gooden’s initiative to broaden entry to crypto expertise and Durbin’s push for extra safety from potential abuse of the identical programs.
This brings to the fore the talk surrounding the way to obtain a stability between innovation and client safety in the world of cryptocurrencies.
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