During a recent panel discussion at The Bitcoin 2026 Conference in Las Vegas, three members of Congress articulated their views on digital asset regulation as essential to both national security and economic competitiveness. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) took part in the discussion titled “The Bitcoin Bloc: A New Force in American Politics,” moderated by Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase.
Miller-Meeks emphasized the concept of Bitcoin as “financial democracy” and connected the push for cryptocurrency adoption to the upcoming 250th anniversary of America, framing support for digital assets as a patriotic duty. She identified the Chinese Communist Party as a significant threat, asserting that crypto policy should be treated as a national security issue. Drawing from her own experiences while attending medical school, Miller-Meeks highlighted Bitcoin’s potential in providing women fleeing domestic abuse with resources outside the reach of government control. She referenced Canada’s trucker protests as an instance of government intervention in financial matters, underscoring the need for financial independence.
Both Miller-Meeks and Nunn pointed to competition with China as a central motivator for U.S. cryptocurrency policy. Miller-Meeks remarked that while China actively seeks to lead in the digital asset sector, the United States continues to offer the best environment for innovation. Nunn expressed concerns that failure to enhance American leadership in Bitcoin and digital assets poses national security risks. He warned that losing ground in the upcoming November midterm elections could reverse recent legislative progress, thereby allowing adversaries to gain strategic advantages. While discussing political stakes, Nunn specifically noted anti-crypto Democrats, affirming that “decisions and elections have consequences.”
Nunn also highlighted the progress made in Congress and within the crypto sector, pointing out that the SEC, under former Chair Gary Gensler, had imposed substantial fines for violations related to concepts that Gensler himself did not fully understand. He mentioned that Gensler had been dismissed earlier during the Trump administration, signifying shifts in regulatory oversight.
Lawler touted initiatives like the GENIUS Act as positive steps forward but called for a comprehensive federal regulatory framework governing digital assets. He echoed sentiments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stating that achieving regulatory clarity would position the U.S. favorably in the global digital asset landscape. As a New Yorker, Lawler expressed a desire for the crypto industry to remain secure and thriving within the state.
Addressing the issue of double taxation on Bitcoin mining, Nunn criticized the disparate tax treatment compared to other forms of asset extraction. He argued that excessive taxation could stifle innovation and drive businesses abroad, underscoring the need to create a more favorable business climate in the United States.
The panel discussion marked a significant evolution in how congressional Republicans view digital assets, framing them within the context of geopolitical competition and individual financial freedom. This perspective contrasts sharply with earlier regulatory debates that prioritized consumer protection and financial stability.
