[Pages H2855-H2857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

DEPLOYING AMERICAN BLOCKCHAINS ACT OF 2025

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 1664) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to take actions
necessary and appropriate to promote the competitiveness of the United
States related to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness
of blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, and
for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:

H.R. 1664

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Deploying American
Blockchains Act of 2025''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Blockchain technology or other distributed ledger
technology.--The term ``blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology'' means a distributed digital
database where data is--
(A) shared across a network of computers to create a ledger
of verified information among network participants;
(B) linked using cryptography to maintain the integrity of
the ledger and to execute other functions; and
(C) distributed among network participants in an automated
fashion to concurrently update network participants on the
state of the ledger and other functions.
(2) Covered nongovernmental representatives.--The term
``covered nongovernmental representatives'' means
representatives as specified in the second sentence of
section 135(b)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2155(b)(1)), except that such term does not include
representatives of non-Federal Governments.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, each commonwealth,
territory, or possession of the United States, and each
federally recognized Indian Tribe.
(5) Token.--The term ``token'' means a transferable,
digital representation of information recorded on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology.
(6) Tokenization.--The term ``tokenization'' means the
process of creating a token.

SEC. 3. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP ON BLOCKCHAIN.

(a) Function of Secretary.--The Secretary shall serve as a
principal advisor to the President for policy pertaining to
the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization.
(b) Activities.--The Secretary shall take actions necessary
and appropriate to support the leadership of the United
States with respect to the deployment, use, application, and
competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed
ledger technology, applications built on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens,
and tokenization, including by--
(1) developing policies and recommendations on issues and
risks related to the deployment, use, application, and
competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed
ledger technology, applications built on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens,
and tokenization, including the issues of decentralized
identity, cybersecurity, key storage and security systems,
artificial intelligence, fraud reduction, regulatory
compliance, e-commerce, health care applications, and supply
chain resiliency;
(2) supporting and promoting the stability, maintenance,
improvement, and security of blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(3) helping to promote the leadership of the United States
with respect to the deployment, use, application, and
competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed
ledger technology, applications built on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens,
and tokenization through the establishment of a Blockchain
Deployment Program in the Department of Commerce;
(4) promoting the national security and economic security
of the United States with respect to blockchain technology or
other distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(5) supporting engagement with the public to promote the
best practices described in subsection (c);
(6) considering policies and programs to encourage and
improve coordination among Federal agencies with respect to
the deployment of blockchain technology or other distributed
ledger technology, applications built on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens,
and tokenization;
(7) examining--
(A) how Federal agencies can benefit from utilizing
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
(B) the current use by Federal agencies of blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;

[[Page H2856]]

(C) the current and future preparedness and ability of
Federal agencies to adopt blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization; and
(D) additional security measures Federal agencies may need
to take to--
(i) safely and securely use blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization, including to ensure the security of
critical infrastructure; and
(ii) enhance the resiliency of Federal systems against
cyber threats to blockchain technology or other distributed
ledger technology, applications built on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens,
and tokenization;
(8) supporting coordination of the activities of the
Federal Government related to the security of blockchain
technology and other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization; and
(9) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, establishing advisory committees to support the
adoption of blockchain technology or other distributed ledger
technology, applications built on blockchain technology or
other distributed ledger technology, tokens, and
tokenization, the membership of which shall include--
(A) the Secretary;
(B) representatives of Federal agencies (as determined
necessary by the Secretary); and
(C) nongovernmental stakeholders with expertise related to
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
including--
(i) blockchain technology or other distributed ledger
technology infrastructure operators, suppliers, service
providers, and vendors;
(ii) application developers building on blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology;
(iii) developers and organizations supporting the
advancement and deployment of public blockchain technology or
other distributed ledger technology;
(iv) subject matter experts representing industrial sectors
that can benefit from blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology;
(v) small, medium, and large businesses;
(vi) think tanks and academia;
(vii) nonprofit organizations and consumer groups;
(viii) cybersecurity experts;
(ix) rural stakeholders;
(x) covered nongovernmental representatives;
(xi) artists and the content creator community; and
(xii) other stakeholders with relevant expertise (as
determined necessary by the Secretary).
(c) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall, on an ongoing
basis, facilitate and support the development and
dissemination of best practices with respect to blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization
that--
(1) support the private sector, the public sector, and
public-private partnerships in the deployment of technologies
needed to advance the capabilities of blockchain technology
or other distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(2) support the interoperability of blockchain technology
or other distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(3) support operations, including hashing and key storage
and security systems, that form the foundation of blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
(4) reduce cybersecurity and other risks that may
compromise blockchain technology or other distributed ledger
technology, applications built on blockchain technology or
other distributed ledger technology, tokens, and
tokenization;
(5) reduce uncertainty and risks in the use of blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization; and
(6) quantify the value and potential cost savings
associated with adoption of blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization, including through comparative
analyses of competing and existing technologies within
specific industry applications.
(d) Additional Requirements.--In carrying out this section,
the Secretary shall--
(1) consult closely and regularly with stakeholders,
including private sector individuals and entities, and
incorporate industry expertise;
(2) collaborate with private sector stakeholders to
identify prioritized, flexible, repeatable, performance-
based, and cost-effective approaches to the deployment of
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
(3) disseminate research and information pertaining to the
use of, and marketplace for, blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(4) develop standardized terminology for, and promote
common understanding of, blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(5) ensure the best practices described in subsection (c)
facilitate the ease of use of blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization;
(6) support open-source infrastructure, data management,
and authentication activities with respect to blockchain
technology or other distributed ledger technology,
applications built on blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization; and
(7) consider the needs and interests of both the private
and public sector, including small businesses and Federal,
State, and local governments.
(e) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to--
(1) require a private entity to share information with the
Secretary;
(2) require a private entity to request assistance from the
Secretary;
(3) require a private entity to implement any measure or
recommendation suggested by the Secretary in response to a
request by the private entity; or
(4) require the adoption of the best practices described in
subsection (c).
(f) Consultation.--In implementing this section, the
Secretary may, as appropriate, consult with the heads of
relevant Federal agencies.
(g) Termination of Program.--The Blockchain Deployment
Program established pursuant to subsection (b)(3) shall
terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of
this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall make
public on the website of the Department of Commerce and
submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes--
(1) a description of the activities of the Secretary under
this Act during the preceding year;
(2) any recommendations by the Secretary for additional
legislation to strengthen the competitiveness of the United
States with respect to blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization; and
(3) a description of any emerging risks and long-term
trends with respect to blockchain technology or other
distributed ledger technology, applications built on
blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology,
tokens, and tokenization.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.

General Leave

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.

{time} 1515

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1664, the Deploying
American Blockchains Act of 2025, championed by my good friend and
fellow Florida Gator, Representative Cammack.
This legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to take the
necessary actions to promote the competitiveness of the United States
in the development and application of blockchain technology.
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize industries
by enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. Whether it is used
as a privacy enhancement technology, a supply chain management tool, or
as a method to provide a secure ledger to enhance data security,
blockchain can usher in a new era in American technological leadership.
By fostering innovation and establishing best practices, this bill
positions the United States as a leader in

[[Page H2857]]

blockchain technology, driving economic growth and technological
advancement.
I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this very good bill
primarily sponsored by my good friend Mrs. Cammack from the State of
Florida. Let's get this done.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1664, the Deploying American
Blockchains Act. For decades, our Nation's technological leadership has
helped build the largest, most dynamic economy in the world. We must
continue working to ensure that we outcompete the rest of the world
because our economic rivals are trying to close the gap.
This legislation commissions the Department of Commerce to support
the leadership of the United States with respect to blockchain
technology, which may have useful applications for supply chain
monitoring, data security, and financial transactions. Investments that
strengthen the ability of American industry to realize the benefits of
new technology are essential to our global competitiveness.
I am very mindful, Mr. Speaker, that the chaos of the Trump
administration is undermining U.S. leadership in technology development
and deployment. If my Republican colleagues are sincere in their desire
to win the race to adopt advanced technologies, they will start to
speak up rather than quietly stand by while the Trump administration
recklessly cuts critical Federal research programs, engages in mass
firings of crucial experts, and engages in wild swings in national
trade policy from week to week.
House Democrats have shown our commitment to American technological
leadership. The CHIPS and Science Act, for example, makes
transformational investments in research and development, science and
technology, and the workforce of the future. It will help us maintain
our Nation's leadership in the industries of tomorrow, including
nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing, and artificial
intelligence. The CHIPS and Science Act is already making a huge
difference, but we must build on this success rather than tear it down.
One other thing to note is that this bill should already be law. It
was agreed to last year as part of a bipartisan, bicameral legislative
package that was set to be passed and signed into law in December
before Elon Musk killed the agreement.
That package included important provisions that would have lowered
costs for hardworking Americans, but instead of passing it and sending
it to the President's desk to be signed into law, my Republican
colleagues caved to outside pressure from Elon Musk.
I do want to commend Representatives Cammack and Soto for their
leadership on this issue. This is an important bill, and I encourage
all my colleagues to support this legislation on a bipartisan basis.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), one of the most
hardworking Members of Congress and my good friend.
Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his steadfast
support, and I also thank the ranking member for his support.
I rise today in support of H.R. 1664, the Deploying American
Blockchains Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that I am proud to lead
alongside my colleague Representative Darren Soto.
This bill is about far more than emerging technology. It is about
securing America's future, economically, strategically, and
technologically, in an increasingly digital world.
Blockchain technology is not a passing trend. It is a foundational
innovation that is reshaping how we think about security, identity,
data integrity, and commerce. From supply chains and finance to
healthcare and identity management, blockchain is transforming the way
our systems function.
Mr. Speaker, we are at a crossroads. While American entrepreneurs and
technologists are ready to lead, they are operating in an environment
filled with uncertainty. Too many innovators in this space face unclear
rules, inconsistent Federal policies, and outdated frameworks that push
investment and opportunities overseas. Meanwhile, nations like China
are investing heavily in blockchain infrastructure and making it clear
that their intent is to control the digital rails of the future.
We cannot afford to fall behind. American values of freedom,
transparency, and accountability must guide the development of the next
generation of digital infrastructure. That is what this bill ensures.
The Deploying American Blockchains Act takes a strategic, thoughtful
approach by directing the Commerce Department to lead the Federal
Government's blockchain effort. The Department will advise the
President, establish a Blockchain Deployment Program, and ensure that
the United States remains competitive in the development and
application of this critical technology.
Importantly, this bill affirms that blockchain is not just a
buzzword. It is the backbone of next-generation innovations in areas
like supply chain security, smart contracts, digital identity, and
fraud prevention. These applications aren't just theoretical. They are
being deployed right now across sectors of the entire American economy.
If we fail to lead, others will step in to define the rules of the
road.

This bill sends a powerful message to our allies and adversaries
alike: America intends to lead. We will lead. We will build, not just
consume. We intend to shape the global standards for digital trust and
transparency, and we will not allow authoritarian regimes to do so in
our absence.
This bill is about leadership. It is about economic opportunity, and
it is about protecting our American interests and ensuring that our
technological edge continues to serve the people, our values, and our
future.
I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in
supporting this commonsense legislation. Together, we can keep America
at the forefront of innovation and ensure that our digital future is
one defined by liberty, accountability, and American leadership.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I urge
support of this bill on a bipartisan basis, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on
this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 1664, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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