The U.S. government is running it hot — and Bitcoin may be the only exit.In episode 8 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour, the Bitcoin Policy Institute team — Executive Director Matthew Pines, Head of Policy Zack Shapiro, and Associate Zack Cohen — break down what just happened with the Big Beautiful Bill and why it matters for Bitcoin, inflation, and America’s fiscal future.

They dive into the last-minute push to pass pro-Bitcoin tax reform (including the de minimis exemption and mining tax fixes), explain why it failed, and assess the rising importance of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) as the next key battleground.The episode also explores deep tensions within the Republican coalition, how Bitcoin fits into U.S. national security priorities, and what the growing demand for stablecoins reveals about where the monetary system is headed.

🔶 Connect with Matthew Pines on X: https://x.com/matthew_pines

🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro

🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_

🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/

Chapters:

00:00 – The U.S. Is Running It Hot: Fiscal Dominance Explained

01:00 – Behind the Scenes at the Bitcoin Policy Summit

05:00 – Strategic Bitcoin Reserve & Leaked “Accumulation Plan”

08:00 – Why the Big Beautiful Bill Matters for Bitcoin

12:30 – What Killed the De Minimis Tax Fix?

17:00 – Mining Tax Reform & Wash Sale Loopholes

21:00 – Why the Crypto Lobby Failed in DC

26:00 – GOP Factions, Elon vs. Trump, and Bitcoin’s Role

31:30 – The Real Bitcoin Priorities: BRCA and Privacy

36:00 – What’s Next: Senate Market Structure Bill & Regulatory Outlook

41:00 – Final Thoughts: Bitcoin, Inflation & the Next Political Chapter

The rise of crypto payments: Easier, faster and more fun than you think