Leading Bitcoin advocates, academics and a bipartisan coalition of US policymakers are set to gather at the National Press Club Ballroom in Washington, D.C. for the second annual Bitcoin Policy Summit hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI). Bitcoin Magazine is collaborating with BPI to host a live stream of the event on its YouTube channel and Social media Platforms.
With a lineup of politicians including Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wis.), Congressman Patrick McHenry (D-N.C.), Willie Nickel (R-N.C.), Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Congressman Tom Emmer (Republican from Minnesota), and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat from New York), the summit is preparing to be a link between Bitcoin and the political sphere in the United States. The participation of the above legislators underscores clear bipartisan recognition of the importance of understanding and shaping the future of Bitcoin and digital asset policy.
Notably, Senators Lummis and Gillibrand co-authored the legislation in the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act. The bill, drafted in 2022, is an important example of the emerging bipartisan effort to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets.
Senator Gillibrand expressed her excitement about the upcoming summit, saying in a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine: “As a leader on this issue, I look forward to sharing my thoughts and hearing from attendees about how to write smart policy that allows for accountability and innovation, has strong consumer protections, and enables us to root out third parties.” Bad actor.
As the economic growth and integration of Bitcoin and digital assets continues, the summit agenda reflects the challenges and opportunities presented therein. Discussions will explore regulatory frameworks governing Bitcoin financial products and services as well as strategies for promoting innovation while protecting civil liberties.
“As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I work to find common ground and advance common-sense legislation on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel. “I look forward to sharing an update on the work we are doing and hope to accomplish during the remainder of the 118th Congress.”
Geopolitical considerations will take the stage in the “Bitcoin Geopolitics” panel featuring SentinelOne Director Matthew Baines, BlockTrace COO Ken Egan, Bridger Solutions Co-Founder and CEO Jake Langenkamp, and Foundry Vice President of Public Policy Kyle Schneps, as they weigh in on their analysis. The effects of Bitcoin and digital assets on the dollar monetary system and global power dynamics.
The summit will also examine the environmental and climate impacts of Bitcoin mining operations. Panelists Troy Cross, a professor at Reed College, and Brian Consolvo, a partner at KPMG, are scheduled to speak in a breakout conversation: “How Institutions View Bitcoin Sustainability.” Additionally, the use of geothermal energy will be a focal point as Lauren Boyd, director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Geothermal Technologies, will also be hosted as a participant at the summit.
“The annual Bitcoin Policy Summit represents a unique opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds,” said David Zell, founder of the Bitcoin Policy Institute. “By fostering an inclusive conversation, we can develop informed and effective policies that support innovation while protecting the interests of all stakeholders.”
For more information about the annual Bitcoin Policy Summit, including the full agenda and list of speakers, visit the BPI website here.
The official Bitcoin Policy Summit live stream can be found on YouTube here.
