A bipartisan legislative initiative has been introduced by Representatives Kat Cammack and Darren Soto, aiming to incorporate blockchain technology into the Department of Commerce’s strategic agenda. The proposed legislation, known as the Deploying American Blockchains Act, seeks to designate the Secretary of Commerce as the principal advisor to the President on blockchain-related matters. This role would encompass the deployment, application, use, and competitive positioning of blockchain technology within the United States. Additionally, the bill outlines the establishment of a Blockchain Deployment Program to further its integration.
Blockchain technology, as defined by industry sources, operates as a digitally distributed database or ledger that records transactions across a computer network. While commonly linked to cryptocurrencies, its primary advantage lies in its ability to permanently store transaction data in an immutable manner, reducing dependence on human auditors.
Advancing U.S. Leadership in Blockchain Innovation
According to Representative Cammack, blockchain represents an evolving technology with transformative potential across multiple sectors. She emphasized the importance of understanding its capabilities and leveraging them for economic growth, national security, and technological progress. As part of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, she reaffirmed her commitment to fostering blockchain innovation.
Representative Soto also highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating that bipartisan collaboration on the bill would enhance the country’s competitiveness in the blockchain space. He underscored the need for the Department of Commerce to prioritize the development of blockchain technology to ensure that the United States maintains a leadership position in this rapidly advancing field.
AI Integration for Defense Audits
The emphasis on emerging technologies in governance is not limited to blockchain. In June, Representative David Schweikert successfully introduced several amendments to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) in auditing the Pentagon. The initiative follows reports indicating that the Department of Defense has repeatedly failed to achieve a clean audit for seven consecutive years.
Schweikert pointed out the ongoing challenges in auditing the Pentagon, emphasizing the potential of AI in identifying and categorizing assets within the Department of Defense inventory. He stressed the importance of protecting taxpayers while ensuring national security by improving transparency and accountability in defense resources.
A Step Toward Future-Ready Governance
With blockchain and AI playing an increasingly vital role in modern governance, these legislative initiatives indicate a shift toward leveraging emerging technologies for enhanced efficiency, security, and economic competitiveness. If enacted, the Deploying American Blockchains Act could pave the way for broader blockchain adoption in federal agencies, reinforcing the United States’ position as a global leader in technological advancement.
