Understanding the Impact of Congressional Elections on Cryptocurrency

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With the presidential race in the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook the powerful role that Congress could play in shaping crypto policy in the coming years. From committee chairs to legislative allies, crypto advocates are keenly focused on the outcome of key Congressional races. Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association and Alex Grieve of Paradigm join us today to break down which races and committees are critical for crypto, why the industry is more visible in Washington than ever, and what the chances are for lame duck legislation this year. 

Read more: How Congressional Committee Leadership Could Shake Out for Crypto This Election

Show highlights:

• Why this election is “incredibly important” for crypto 
• How the presence of Fairshake is increasingly noticed by Washington
• Why some committees are more important than others for the industry
• Why the Senate Banking Committee is key
• Whether Alex and Kristin are concerned about Sen. Warren becoming chair of the Senate Banking Committee
• What could happen to the House Financial Services Committee
• Who is likely to take on both of the Agricultural Committees, which is in charge of the CFTC
• How the Senate Commerce affects the crypto industry
• How the members of the House Energy Committee don’t have a strong stance on crypto
• What the stance of the Finance Committee on crypto is
• Why there is an opportunity in the House Ways and Means Committee
• Whether crypto tax legislation is in the works
• Who could be the SEC Chair under a Trump or Harris presidency
• Who could be the next Chair of the CFTC
• Whether Yellen will be replaced on Treasury, with many pro-crypto options on tap
• Why the Federal Reserve matters much more if they get to regulate stablecoins
• What the odds are for crypto legislation being passed this year

Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com

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Guests:

• Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association
• Kristin’s Op-ed on Unchained: In the Ongoing SAB 121 Fight, Here’s How Crypto Can Move Forward With Bipartisan Support
• Previous appearances on Unchained:
• Kristin Smith on Why Crypto Legislation Could Be Passed by Year's End 
• Can Crypto Be a Force in the Midterms? Yes, Say Kristin Smith and Jake Chervinsky
• What the Crypto Industry Could See Under a Biden Administration
• Alexander Grieve, VP of Government Affairs at Paradigm

Links

• Previous coverage of Unchained on the elections:
• With Rate Cuts and Upcoming Elections, What’s the Best Play in Crypto?
• Why Congressman Ro Khanna Is Hopeful the Democratic Party Will Embrace Crypto
• Why Gary Gensler Will Likely Be Out as SEC Chair No Matter Who Wins the Election
• Congressman French Hill on Crypto and His Top Pick for the Next SEC Chair

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:55 Why this election is pivotal for crypto
• 04:50 How Fairshake’s presence is catching Washington’s eye
• 16:39 Which committees matter most for crypto?
• 22:49 Why the Senate Banking Committee is crucial
• 28:54 Concerns about Sen. Warren as potential chair?
• 38:15 Possible shifts in the House Financial Services Committee
• 41:47 Who could control the Agricultural Committees and CFTC oversight?
• 47:35 How the Senate Commerce Committee impacts crypto
• 51:04 House Energy Committee’s stance on crypto
• 53:21 Finance Committee’s crypto perspective
• 55:03 Opportunities in the House Ways and Means Committee
• 57:28 Is crypto tax legislation in the works?
• 1:01:23 Potential SEC Chairs under Trump or Harris
• 1:03:57 Who could be the next CFTC Chair?
• 1:05:46 Will Yellen be replaced with a pro-crypto Treasury option?
• 1:08:06 Why the Fed’s role could be pivotal for stablecoin regulation
• 1:10:46 Odds of crypto legislation passing this year

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