As the Shutdown Drags On, Democrats Talk With Crypto CEOs

As the partial government shutdown continues, Democrats have been engaging in discussions with cryptocurrency industry leaders, exploring the possibility of introducing legislation related to digital currencies in the upcoming year. The shutdown, which began on December 22nd, 2018, has led to the closure of several government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), both of which play a crucial role in regulating the cryptocurrency market. During this period, Democratic lawmakers have been meeting with prominent crypto CEOs, such as Circle's Jeremy Allaire and Coin Center's Jerry Brito, to discuss the potential for a digital currency bill. The conversations have focused on issues like consumer protection, anti-money laundering regulations, and the overall regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrencies. While no concrete plans have been announced yet, these discussions suggest that the Democratic party is interested in addressing the regulatory uncertainties that have hindered the growth of the cryptocurrency industry in the United States. The outcome of these talks could potentially shape the future of digital currencies in the country.