Top 10 Pro-Crypto US Politicians You Need to Know

The regulatory climate regarding blockchain assets continues to shift, with more politicians coming out in favor of these networks. It has become more common to see politicians accept crypto donations or even states accepting crypto tax payments. These steps in adoption are made possible with the help of some crypto-friendly lawmakers. Here are the 10 pro-crypto politicians you need to know.

Bipartisanship Exists: Pro-Crypto US Politicians

Interestingly, crypto assets are one of the few areas in which there is considerable bipartisanship. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have come together on numerous occasions, including the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, which has four seats distributed evenly.

Both sides of the aisle have disclosed considerable crypto holdings, which also improves the chance of a friendly regulatory climate emerging in the US.

1. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R, Wyoming)

Few politicians have been involved in the crypto market longer than Cynthia Lummis. Lummis has earned the nickname “Crypto Queen” thanks to her support for digital assets and their integration into the financial system. She has spoken on the benefits of holding Bitcoin on many occasions and has been in the market since 2013.  Alongside colleagues, Lummis has put forth legislation such as the Responsible Financial Innovation Act.

2. Rep. Tom Emmer (R, Minnesota)

Tom Emmer frequently speaks on cryptocurrencies and how they can “empower” the community. He is credited as being the first politician to host a crypto town hall. Here, locals asked questions and gained insight into blockchain assets and key details regarding their legality, taxation, and functionality.

Emmer is also registered as the Co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. The Congressional Blockchain Caucus is tasked with researching how cryptocurrencies will affect the market and how they could be used to improve business practices.

Already, Emmer can be credited with introducing the Securities Clarity Act, which adds specifications and jurisdiction details to digital assets, making it easier for people to discern if a token is a security or not. The goal of the bill is to help cultivate a healthy blockchain asset market in the United States.

3. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D, New York)

Ritchie Torres is another pro-crypto politician who sees the potential of blockchain technology. He has spoken on numerous occasions about how blockchain assets could help low-income families save on vital actions such as remittance payments. He has gone as far as to talk about how decentralization opens the door for more earning opportunities while reducing the control of the current centralized entities.

Torres has already made a few maneuvers toward making his state more crypto-friendly. He recently introduced a bill that helps exchanges gain consumer trust through transparency. New York has emerged as a pro-crypto state thanks to his and others’ efforts.

4. Sen. Tim Ryan (D, Ohio)

Tim Ryan has a smart approach to crypto legislation in that he wants to introduce some oversight but not stifle innovation. He has spoken on the importance of “democratizing” the centralized financial markets and has worked with others to introduce friendly legislation into the state.

One of his biggest achievements is co-sponsoring a bill with Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) designed to reduce some of the crypto tax reporting introduced in 2021. The bill would make trading and supporting blockchain networks easier for users.

5. Rep. French Hill (R, Arkansas)

French Hill is another politician who supports the integration and expansion of blockchain networks in the US. He has spoken on how this technology is vital for the US and shouldn’t be restricted in a manner that puts the country at a disadvantage in the future decentralized economy.

Hill currently serves on the digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion committee. This group includes a mix of 18 bipartisan members tasked with researching all types of digital assets and other innovative financial technologies. As such, they hold a crucial role in the future of any potential blockchain framework.

6. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D, New York)

Kirsten Gillibrand shares the hands-off approach found by many other crypto-friendly advocates. She has discussed how over-regulations can end up hurting this crucial technology before it reaches its true potential. She has come out in favor of very light regulations that enable developers to continue to innovate freely.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Gillibrand co-sponsored the aforementioned ‘Responsible Financial Innovation Act’ alongside Sen. Cynthia Lummis.  As previously stated, this act seeks to bring clarity to the crypto market in terms of legal framework. It is a comprehensive proposal that lays down the groundwork for a future in which blockchain assets are a regular part of daily lives.

7. Rep. Patrick McHenry, (R, North Carolina)

Patrick McHenry is another lawmaker who has voiced opposition to over-regulation. He seeks to further research and develop the technology to see how it can benefit the lives of ordinary people. He has come out on a variety of occasions speaking against what he called “knee-jerk” reactions to new assets emerging.

Currently, McHenry is the chairman of the Financial Services Committee. As such, he has considerable sway in the direction any potential legislation could go. His measured and balanced approach is a great sign for all those seeking more digital assets in the future.

8. Rep. Ro Khanna (D, California)

Ro Khanna sees the blockchain market as a great way to expand the economy and provide more jobs for people. He has spoken about how there’s endless opportunity with the introduction of Web3 protocols. He has explained how bad regulations could lead to one part of the industry unnaturally gaining ground rather than allowing the tech to flourish.

Khanna has already put forth some interesting pro-crypto legislation. His best-known efforts are the Keep Innovation in America Act. This bill provides some legislative framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Interestingly, it was put forth with the help of Patrick McHenry (R, N.C.) and Tim Ryan (D, Ohio).

9. Sen. Ted Cruz (R, Texas)

Ted Cruz has publicly spoken in support of Bitcoin, which places him in a unique category of lawmakers. He has helped Texas secure a spot as one of the top mining states in the country, which has resulted in many new jobs and capital entering the state. In 2022, Cruz disclosed that he held around $50K in Bitcoin.

10. Sen. J.D. Vance (R, Ohio)

Another Ohio representative who has championed the blockchain cause is J.D. Vance. Vance has been a long-time supporter of the technology and has publicly disclosed owning in excess of $200,000 in digital assets. According to recent reports, Vance loves the freedom that cryptocurrencies provide via its censorship resistance attributes.

Crypto Politicians Can Help Make a Difference

Every pro-crypto politician adds to the influence and betters the chances for this game-changing technology to reach its peak potential. The politicians listed above, plus many others, are at the forefront of protecting the innovative nature of blockchain assets. As such, each is vital to the future of this technology.