Innovative Proposal: Cryptocurrency ATMs in Federal Buildings
In a bold move, a Republican congressman from Texas has put forward a proposal to install cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings across the United States. Representative Lance Gooden reached out in a letter dated May 1 to the acting administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), Stephen Ehikian, as reported by several news outlets.
Cryptocurrency ATMs as Educational Tools
Rep. Lance Gooden, a prominent ally of the former President, has characterized his proposal as an effort to provide an “educational resource” to the public by placing crypto ATMs in government buildings. He urged the GSA to begin formulating the necessary guidelines and regulatory framework for the installation of these machines on federally managed properties nationwide.
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Interestingly, public filings with the House of Representatives reveal that Gooden has not declared holdings in any cryptocurrency or ATM-related companies since his election in 2019. As of 2025, there are no publicly accessible financial disclosures related to such investments for the Texas representative.
Uncertainties in Regulatory Authority
The GSA, responsible for managing and regulating government properties, currently allows for space allocation for federal credit union ATMs. However, it’s unclear if this authority extends to digital asset ATMs operated by private enterprises. Reports suggest that Stephen Ehikian, appointed by President Donald Trump, may lack the mandate to implement such changes without legislative approval from Congress. Furthermore, financing the initiative could potentially require congressional action.
The current trading value of Bitcoin is $96,721, as noted on TradingView.
Trump’s Crypto Connections Under Scrutiny
Former President Trump has a wide array of engagements with digital currencies and asset firms, spanning personal investments, campaign accounts, family ventures, and even a meme coin named after him. Notably, in April, Trump hosted a dinner in Washington, DC, for major stakeholders of his meme coin. This association raises questions about potential policy influences on cryptocurrency infrastructure within government settings.
Senate Weighs Stricter Crypto ATM Regulations
While Rep. Gooden advocates for broader access to crypto technologies, the Senate is leaning towards tighter regulations. In February, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, aimed at implementing “common sense guardrails” to protect against scams, particularly targeting the elderly. The timing of these contrasting initiatives highlights the ongoing debate about balancing innovation with consumer protection in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
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