According to Cointelegraph: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the U.S. Congress has unanimously passed a pro-blockchain bill that aims to spur the development and use of blockchain technology in the country. The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023 (H.R. 6572) was approved in a 46-0 vote on December 5.
The bill tasks Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo with measures to promote the competitiveness of the United States relating to the deployment and application of blockchain technology. It calls for the creation of best practices, policies, and recommendations for both the public and private sectors in using blockchain technology.
Furthermore, the legislation proposes a "Blockchain Deployment Program" to support the use of the technology and to establish advisory committees to aid blockchain adoption. The committees would consist of federal agency representatives, blockchain industry stakeholders, experts, and others.
The move was welcomed by blockchain advocacy groups with Cody Carbone of the Chamber of Digital Commerce stating the bill will "help preserve U.S. leadership in blockchain development."
The bill is one of over 50 related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology that has been discussed in Congress since 2022. It will now progress to the House for a vote. If it is approved, it will also need to pass in the Senate before getting final approval from Congress and the president.