The United States Congress formed the Congressional Blockchain Caucus in the 114th Congress (2015-2016) as a bi-partisan group of members of Congress and staff who are working to advance blockchain technology in the United States. Why doesn’t the Texas Legislature have a “Txlege Crypto Caucus?"
The Congressional Blockchain Caucus is Co-Chaired by Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ). The caucus is made up of 18 members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Only one Texan is a member of Congressional Blockchain Caucus, Republican Congressman Michael McCaul from Austin.
The Congressional Blockchain Caucus is focused on three key areas:
GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS :The Congressional Blockchain Caucus is first and foremost interested in how blockchain technology can improve government services
DATA OWNERSHIP : Identity and personal data are nowadays synonymous with fraud and hacking. Blockchain technology poses a solution to identity management, giving an individual ownership of their identity
HEALTHCARE : From smart contracts all the way to patient records, blockchain technology offers increased security and ease of use
The Congressional Blockchain Caucus is promoting “a hands-off regulatory approach, believing that this technology will best evolve the same way the internet did; on its own.” This is great news for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Some in this space think that blockchain and cryptocurrencies can survive and thrive without the government, or despite the government. Others, like the Texas Crypto Alliance, are trying to work with like minded elected officials and promote a hands off regulatory approach.
Do you support the Texas Legislature (#TxLege) forming a “TxLege Crypto Caucus” to support the development of the blockchain and cryptocurrencies industries in Texas?
If so, please contact your elected Texas State Senator and Representative and ask them to support the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries in Texas. You know who your elected officials are right…if not use this form to find out who represents you and make a point to get to know them. Ask them to meet you for coffee or schedule a visit to their district office, and politely educate them and their staff on cryptocurrencies and blockchain.
The Legislature of the state of Texas is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The state legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin once every two years for 140 days. The 86th Texas Legislative session starts on the second Tuesday of January 2019.
Congressional Blockchain Caucus Co-Chairs
Jared Polis (D-CO)
David Schweikert (R-AZ)
Congressional Blockchain Caucus Members
Congressman John Delaney (D-MD)
Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX)
Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN)
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL)
Congressman Denny Heck (D-WA)
Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Congressman Keith Rothfus (R-PA)
Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus
Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL)
Congressman Jeff Duncan (R-SC)
Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ)
Congressman John Larson (D-CT)
Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-MT)