Rep. Tom Emmer has been appointed as vice chairman of the House Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence, marking a new chapter in cryptocurrency oversight.
The appointment places Emmer in a key leadership role alongside newly named subcommittee chair Rep. Bryan Steil. The subcommittee oversees critical areas including digital assets, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), mobile banking, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and artificial intelligence in finance.
A staunch advocate for cryptocurrency innovation, Emmer has consistently pushed back against stringent federal regulations on digital assets. His track record includes introducing multiple crypto-focused bills aimed at providing regulatory clarity.
His most notable legislative achievement is the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which passed the House in May 2024. The bill aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC that could potentially monitor individual spending patterns. Currently awaiting Senate review, the legislation seeks to maintain privacy protections and keep digital currency policy under public control.
"With President Trump in the White House, and 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 stated following his appointment.
In his new role, Emmer will work closely with Rep. French Hill and Rep. Steil on legislative and regulatory matters. He has expressed his dedication to creating conditions where digital asset innovation can flourish, emphasizing the importance of American leadership in the digital asset space.