A Texas Republican congressman has proposed putting in cryptocurrency ATMs in United States federal buildings. Rep. Lance Gooden wrote a Might 1 letter to Stephen Ehikian, who’s presently appearing administrator for the Basic Providers Administration (GSA), information stories mentioned.
Trump Ally Frames Proposal As “Academic Useful resource”
Gooden, one of many president’s well-known Republican allies, beneficial in his letter that installing crypto ATMs in authorities buildings can be an “instructional useful resource” for the general public.
He requested that the GSA begin exploring pointers and rules obligatory for putting in such machines on federally owned properties throughout the nation.
Public paperwork filed with the Home of Representatives point out Gooden has not declared any cryptocurrency funding or ATM corporations since being elected in 2019. There aren’t any reported monetary disclosures in public data accessible for the Texas consultant as of 2025.
Gooden's letter recommending crypto ATMs to GSA. Supply: Rep. Lance Gooden
Authority Questions Unanswered
The GSA regulates and manages government-owned properties. Though its web site states that it might probably supply area for federal credit score union ATMs, it’s not sure if Ehikian can lengthen these rules to digital asset ATMs supplied by personal corporations.
Stories recommend Ehikian, who was sworn in by US President Donald Trump, might not have a mandate to introduce most of these ATMs with out consent from Congress. Stories additionally disclose that the funds for such an endeavor might demand an act of Congress.
President’s Crypto Connections Increase Questions
In the meantime, Trump has in depth engagement with digital cash and asset corporations throughout a number of avenues. These vary from his particular person investments, presidential marketing campaign accounts, family-backed enterprises, and the TRUMP meme coin.
Trump reportedly hosted a dinner in Washington, DC in April for the main holders of his meme coin. This hyperlink creates questions relating to potential coverage influences relating to cryptocurrency infrastructure in authorities buildings.
Senate Considers Harder Crypto ATM Laws
Gooden’s invoice comes as legislators within the Senate are contemplating payments to fight fraud utilizing digital foreign money ATMs. Final February, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin launched the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with the aim of creating “widespread sense guardrails” in opposition to scams which have harm many aged Individuals.
The timing gives a telling distinction between Gooden’s initiative to increase entry to crypto know-how and Durbin’s push for extra safety from potential abuse of the identical techniques.
This brings to the fore the talk surrounding how one can obtain a steadiness between innovation and shopper safety on the planet of cryptocurrencies.
Featured picture from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Editorial Course of for bitcoinist is centered on delivering totally researched, correct, and unbiased content material. We uphold strict sourcing requirements, and every web page undergoes diligent evaluation by our workforce of high know-how specialists and seasoned editors. This course of ensures the integrity, relevance, and worth of our content material for our readers.
