Tom Emmer has been named Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Subcommittee, established in 2023, is tasked with shaping regulations on cryptocurrency assets, fostering AI integration in financial services, and driving fintech innovation.
In an X post confirming the new appointment, the 63-year-old Congressman expressed commitment to “foster an environment where digital asset innovation can thrive.” The staunch advocate for crypto joins other pro-crypto legislators like Patrick McHenry and Bryan Steil as members of the Subcommittee.
Notably, Emmer is currently serving as House Majority Whip and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which is the parent committee of the Subcommittee. He has also led the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 116th and 117th Congresses.
Meanwhile, in his announcement, Emmer took aim at outgoing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, describing him as a barrier to crypto progress.
“With Gary Gensler confined to the waste bin of Washington, we have an excellent opportunity to ensure that the future of digital assets is guided by Americans, with American values,”
Emmer wrote in his post.
Gensler, a divisive figure in the cryptocurrency sector, is set to conclude his term on January 20, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president. He will be succeeded by Paul Atkins, a former SEC Commissioner who is known for his supportive stance on crypto.
The crypto industry is optimistic about the Republican-controlled Congress and Trump’s return to office. Many industry leaders have already expressed expectations for a regulatory shift. Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Asset Management, recently suggested that Trump’s proposed deregulatory policies could fuel corporate expansion through mergers and indirectly increase the appeal of decentralized cryptocurrencies as alternatives to centralized systems.
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