In a bold move to advocate for digital asset integration, Texas Congressman Lance Gooden has formally requested the federal government to consider the installation of cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings. This initiative aims to align with the pro-digital assets vision promoted by President Donald Trump.
In a letter directed to the chief of the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency responsible for government buildings and real estate, Gooden emphasizes that the introduction of these automated teller machines would serve as a powerful signal to the public, demonstrating the government’s commitment to innovation and modernization in a secure and responsible manner. His proposal seeks to further expand the accessibility of cryptocurrency ATMs within federal facilities.
“Expanding accessibility to crypto ATMs within federal buildings aligns with President Trump’s vision of positioning the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology,” Gooden stated in his correspondence reviewed by CoinDesk.
Currently, the GSA hosts a limited number of traditional ATMs across its facilities, and the introduction of cryptocurrency ATMs could enhance accessibility for citizens engaging in digital currency transactions. Gooden’s letter specifically urges GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian to evaluate the feasibility of this initiative, focusing on developing clear guidelines for installation and operation that prioritize robust identity verification measures and transparency in transaction fees.
This proposal arrives at a time when cryptocurrency ATMs have attracted scrutiny due to their association with fraudulent activities. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, has introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, aimed at imposing restrictions on large transactions in light of growing concerns over scams. At the same time, lawmakers in New Jersey are contemplating legislation that mandates ATM operators to inform users about potential scams and ensure availability of live customer support.
Interestingly, Bitcoin Depot, one of the notable ATM operators in the crypto landscape, recently reported a decline in transactions and revenue from their machines, despite the recent surge in Bitcoin (BTC) trading activity.
Congressman Gooden’s current committee assignments do not place him directly in the pathway of cryptocurrency legislation currently under consideration in Congress. However, his advocacy for the cryptocurrency industry is notable, as evidenced by the “A” grade awarded by the advocacy group Stand With Crypto for his favorable stance towards digital assets. Historically, Gooden has shown active involvement in cryptocurrency legislation, co-authoring a bill in 2019 that sought to regulate managed stablecoins under the Securities and Exchange Commission, while more recently, he has co-sponsored legislation opposing a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC), reflecting the broader industry perspective on government-issued digital dollars.
