A Texas Republican suggests installing cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings to approach digital assets to the American public.
Representative Lance Gooden, a Republican representing Texas' 5th Congressional District, asked Stephen Ehikian, the Acting Administrator of General Services Administration (GSA), To view the placement of automatic teller machines in these facilities as a “public signal that the government has embraced safely and responsible.
The proposal came as former President Donald Trump covers his support for cryptocurrencies and meme coins. According to this WebsiteGSA has already hated some traditional ATMs in some of its facilities.
Rep. Gooden: “Expanding access to crypto ATMs within federal buildings has aligned President Trump's vision to position the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology technology.”
Gooden pushed the crypto ATMs despite increasing fraud concerns and global crackdowns
Gooden described Crypto as “an integral part of the global financial system” and suggested using ATMs in federal buildings to support the financial needs of a “diverse and growing consumer base.”
However, his proposal came as the face of the ATM faces increased the investigation due to concerns about increasing fraud. More than 10,900 complaints about crypto ATMs were filed in 2024 with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). According to the agency, this is a 99% walk from last year. Victims reported to have lost $ 246.7 million; Only seniors cost more than $ 107 million.
The FBI A range of scams use these machines, including tech support, government -support, phony investment, and extortion. Scammers often direct victims to crypto ATMs due to the ease of anonymous, irreversible transactions, and lack of human administration.
Many countries take action. The UK is clearly prohibited Crypto ATMs, while France, Australia, and Germany are targeting unregistered operators. In the United States, local and state level steps are gaining momentum, with a Minnesota town that prohibits machines and Nebraska recently passed a law capping ATM fees by 18% and limiting daily transactions.
In the Federal Front, democratic lawmakers have suggested the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, which will implement fraud warning, Fincen registers anti-fraud protocols, limits on the number of transactions conducted by new users, and require refunds in reported scams.
While recognizing the dangers, Gooden emphasized that the initiative should require close cooperation with regulators, industry experts, and technology providers to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and other related standards. He has set up the proposal as an opportunity to expand access and strengthen public awareness of digital finances.
“By embracing this initiative, we can take a significant step toward realizing [Trump’s] Vision and strengthening our country's status as a superpower in the digital financial scene, ”he concluded.
The US has led the global growth of Bitcoin ATM as Trump's allies are pushed for federal integration
Last year, the global Bitcoin ATMs network expanded significantly, with 2,217 new machines installed, a 6.02% year-to-year increase, carrying a total of 38,768 on January 1, 2025.
This is according to Finbold's research, which has also shown that the US has maintained its dominance as Europe continues to gain a growing part amid market collapse.
The United States is home to the largest market for Bitcoin ATMs, which has shown 81.27% of the total BTM population worldwide on December 31. The country, which graduated by 2024 with 30,411 ATMs, added an additional 1,094 units, reflecting many ongoing rallies to maintain its dominance.
It is unclear whether the Ehikian, an appointment of Trump's, has the authority to install cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings, even with the support of the president, without the approval of Congress for funding.
Trump has significant exposure to cryptocurrencies and digital asset firms through his personal handling, President's campaign funding, family -supported businesses, and the Trump Meme Coin. In April, the President announced a DC dinner for Top holder of his meme coin.
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