Introduction

In a significant move, the United States Congress committee has unanimously approved a pro-blockchain bill, signaling a commitment to foster the country's leadership in the blockchain realm. Let's explore the journey of the Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023, aimed at promoting the widespread use of blockchain technology in the United States.

On December 5, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce made history by voting 46–0 to pass the H.R. 6572 bill, emphasizing the deployment of blockchain technology. This 13-page bill proposes a directive to the U.S. commerce secretary, Gina Raimondo, to take necessary actions promoting the competitiveness of the United States in the deployment and use of blockchain technology.

Blockchain advocacy group, the Chamber of Digital Commerce, lauded the committee's decision, recognizing its role in preserving U.S. leadership in blockchain development. Cody Carbone, the policy head for the group, expressed gratitude on social media, highlighting the significance of such legislation for the nation.

Before its unanimous passage, Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, emphasized that the bill rightfully advances the nation's competitiveness in the emerging blockchain space. The bill outlines a series of actions for the commerce secretary, including the creation of a "Blockchain Deployment Program" to support the technology's utilization.

This program would establish government advisory committees with representatives from federal agencies, blockchain industry stakeholders, experts, and others. The goal is to enhance coordination for federal agencies interested in leveraging blockchain technology. Furthermore, the bill mandates studies to assess federal agencies' current use of blockchain and their readiness to adopt it in the future.

Conclusion

The pro-blockchain bill, known as the Deploying American Blockchains Act, now heads to the House for a crucial vote. If successful, it will proceed to the Senate before final congressional and presidential approval. While not as high-profile as some other bills, this act signifies a positive step toward embracing blockchain technology, showcasing the U.S. commitment to maintaining its leadership in this transformative space. As the journey of this bill unfolds, it holds the potential to shape the future of blockchain adoption across the nation.