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House Passes Blockchain Bill: Commerce Dept. to Lead Federal Strategy


Blockchain Deployment Program Advances in U.S. House, Heads to Senate

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed HB 1664, also known as the Deploying american Blockchains Act of 2025, on June 26, marking a notable step toward establishing a formal framework for blockchain technology within the federal government. The bill designates the Secretary of Commerce as the president’s principal advisor on matters involving distributed-ledger technology and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Key Provisions of the Blockchain Legislation

Introduced by Rep. kat Cammack and co-sponsored by Rep. Darren Soto, the measure passed by voice vote, highlighting bipartisan support for fostering innovation in blockchain technology. The bill mandates the Department of Commerce to launch a Blockchain Deployment Program, which will focus on several key areas:

  • Developing policy recommendations for blockchain use.
  • Promoting interoperability standards across different blockchain systems.
  • Studying potential applications of on-chain systems within federal agencies.

within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, the Secretary of Commerce is required to convene advisory committees comprising representatives from various sectors, including federal agencies, technology vendors, academic institutions, cybersecurity specialists, rural stakeholders, and the creator community.

Did You Know? Tokenization, the process of representing real-world assets on a blockchain, could significantly expand liquidity and capital efficiency. Only $25 trillion of securities are currently eligible for collateral use, out of a potential $230 trillion [[1]].

Advisory Committee Focus Areas

These advisory committees will inform the development of best-practice frameworks covering critical aspects of blockchain implementation:

  • Decentralized identity solutions
  • Key management safeguards
  • Supply chain applications
  • Fraud mitigation techniques

Furthermore, the department of Commerce is tasked with developing standardized terminology to ensure consistent understanding and communication across agencies and industries.

Federal System Benefits and Security Measures

The legislation also directs the Department of Commerce to assess how existing federal systems can leverage tokenization, identify necessary security upgrades to protect critical infrastructure, and coordinate government responses to potential threats related to distributed ledger technologies. The bill explicitly states that private companies cannot be compelled to share data or adopt agency recommendations, ensuring voluntary engagement from the private sector.

Pro Tip: Before implementing blockchain solutions,businesses should carefully consider whether it is the right fit for their specific needs. Blockchain is an innovative solution, but it is indeed not a universal fix [[3]].

Bipartisan Support and Senate Prospects

Rep. Cammack emphasized the bill as a competitiveness initiative that would “cement US leadership in blockchain innovation.” Rep. Soto highlighted Florida’s growing blockchain sector as evidence of the technology’s domestic potential.Industry groups, including the Digital Chamber of commerce, have voiced their support for the measure, viewing it as a clear federal point of contact for private-sector collaboration.

The act mandates that the Department of Commerce submit a public report to Congress detailing program activities,emerging risks,and any statutory changes required to maintain U.S.leadership in distributed ledger infrastructure. This report is due two years after the act’s enactment and annually thereafter.

Key Aspect Description
Bill Designation HB 1664 (Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025)
Lead Agency Department of Commerce
Program Focus Policy recommendations, interoperability standards, federal agency use cases
Advisory Committees Federal agencies, tech vendors, academia, cybersecurity, rural stakeholders
Reporting Requirement Annual report to Congress on program activities and emerging risks

With the House’s approval, HB 1664 now proceeds to the Senate, where a similar bill sponsored by senators Bernie moreno, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Tim Sheehy is awaiting scheduling. Senators will determine whether to approve or modify the House version before it can be presented to the President for enactment.

The Rise of Blockchain in Finance and Beyond

Blockchain technology is gaining traction across various industries, with major financial institutions like BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs deepening their involvement [[2]]. Bank of America predicts that blockchain infrastructure could reshape how value is exchanged and stored, extending beyond finance to impact every industry.

The potential of blockchain extends to tokenization, which could significantly enhance liquidity and capital efficiency in financial markets [[1]]. As blockchain technology matures, its applications are expected to expand, driving innovation and efficiency across multiple sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blockchain Deployment

What are the potential benefits of blockchain technology for federal agencies?

Blockchain can enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in government operations, including supply chain management, identity verification, and data storage.

how will the Blockchain Deployment program promote interoperability?

The program will develop standards and guidelines to ensure different blockchain systems can communicate and work together seamlessly.

What measures will be taken to address security risks associated with blockchain?

The Department of Commerce will identify necessary security upgrades to protect critical infrastructure and coordinate government responses to potential threats.

How will the program ensure private sector engagement is voluntary?

The bill explicitly prohibits compelling private companies to share data or adopt agency recommendations, preserving voluntary industry engagement.

What is the timeline for the blockchain Deployment Program?

The program sunsets seven years after enactment unless reauthorized, ensuring ongoing evaluation and adaptation.

What are your thoughts on the potential impact of blockchain technology on government operations? How can the U.S. maintain its leadership in blockchain innovation?

Share your insights and join the conversation below!

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