A legislative proposal with the intent of preventing the potential introduction of a US CBDC has achieved substantial progress. This proposal has advanced to the floor of the US House of Representatives after receiving approval from the congressional committee on Wednesday.
This legislative initiative is being spearheaded by members of the House Financial Services Committee who are affiliated with the Republican party. Additionally, it has garnered attention for its steadfast commitment to securing explicit legislative authorization for any potential US CBDC..
Furthermore, it aims to protect the privacy of American citizens and strengthen the nation’s financial infrastructure against perceived CBDC-related risks.
On Wednesday, members of the House dedicated their time to addressing concerns pertaining to the inception of a digital dollar.
Key Provisions and Uncertainties in Proposed US House CBDC Legislation
The proposed legal framework adopts a proactive stance by endeavoring to proscribe any CBDC pilot initiatives before they are even proposed.
Moreover, it proposes the prohibition of the Federal Reserve from issuing a retail digital currency, a measure perceived as a preventive safeguard against potential surveillance of citizens.
Significantly, the bill mandates that any advancements related to a government-backed digital token must receive explicit approval from the legislative body. Although, the progress achieved in the House on CBDC legislation is a significant milestone, its fate in the Senate is uncertain.
The Senate Banking Committee, led by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), does not share the same enthusiasm for digital assets as their Republican counterparts. This divergence in views creates uncertainty about the bill’s future prospects.
Stablecoin Legislation Sparks Competitiveness Concerns
Comparable to prior legislation addressing stablecoins and the structural framework of the cryptocurrency market, this bill encountered resistance from the committee’s foremost Democratic representative, Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).
Waters expressed concerns that the legislation might hinder the global competitiveness of the United States. This is noteworthy when considering countries like China, which are rapidly advancing in the development of central bank digital currencies.
She argued that the legislation could stifle innovation and impede progress in fast, cost-effective, and straightforward payment methods.
Earlier this month, Michael Barr, the Vice Chairman for Supervision at the Federal Reserve, emphasized a crucial point. He stated that the central bank would not pursue a CBDC without clear guidance from the Executive Branch and explicit authorization via legislation approved by Congress.
Despite assertions by Republicans suggesting that the Biden administration endorses a CBDC, federal agencies are presently in the nascent stages of fundamental research into the ramifications of a US digital token.
Cryptocurrency legislation led by Republicans may pass in the House but faces challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Currently, 130 nations are considering digital currency development, with countries like China already implementing CBDCs.
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