[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3040-H3042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEPLOYING AMERICAN BLOCKCHAINS ACT OF 2023

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6572) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to take actions 
necessary and appropriate to promote the competitiveness of the United 
States related to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness 
of blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, and 
for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6572

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Deploying American 
     Blockchains Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Blockchain technology or other distributed ledger 
     technology.--The term ``blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology'' means a distributed digital 
     database where data is--
       (A) shared across a network of computers to create a ledger 
     of verified information among network participants;
       (B) linked using cryptography to maintain the integrity of 
     the ledger and to execute other functions; and
       (C) distributed among network participants in an automated 
     fashion to concurrently update network participants on the 
     state of the ledger and other functions.
       (2) Covered nongovernmental representatives.--The term 
     ``covered nongovernmental representatives'' means 
     representatives as specified in the second sentence of 
     section 135(b)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 
     2155(b)(1)), except that such term does not include 
     representatives of non-Federal governments.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Commerce.
       (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, each commonwealth, 
     territory, or possession of the United States, and each 
     federally recognized Indian Tribe.
       (5) Token.--The term ``token'' means a transferable, 
     digital representation of information recorded on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology.
       (6) Tokenization.--The term ``tokenization'' means the 
     process of creating a token.

     SEC. 3. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP ON BLOCKCHAIN.

       (a) Function of Secretary.--The Secretary shall serve as 
     the principal advisor to the President for policy pertaining 
     to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization.
       (b) Activities.--The Secretary shall take actions necessary 
     and appropriate to support the leadership of the United 
     States with respect to the deployment, use, application, and 
     competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed 
     ledger technology, applications built on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens, 
     and tokenization, including by--
       (1) developing policies and recommendations on issues and 
     risks related to the deployment, use, application, and 
     competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed 
     ledger technology, applications built on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens, 
     and tokenization, including the issues of decentralized 
     identity, cybersecurity, key storage and security systems, 
     artificial intelligence, fraud reduction, regulatory 
     compliance, e-commerce, health care applications, and supply 
     chain resiliency;
       (2) supporting and promoting the stability, maintenance, 
     improvement, and security of blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;
       (3) helping to promote the leadership of the United States 
     with respect to the deployment, use, application, and 
     competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed 
     ledger technology, applications built on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens, 
     and tokenization through the establishment of a Blockchain 
     Deployment Program in the Department of Commerce;
       (4) promoting the national security and economic security 
     of the United States with respect to blockchain technology or 
     other distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;
       (5) supporting engagement with the public to promote the 
     best practices described in subsection (c);
       (6) considering policies and programs to encourage and 
     improve coordination among Federal agencies with respect to 
     the deployment of blockchain technology or other distributed 
     ledger technology, applications built on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens, 
     and tokenization;
       (7) examining--
       (A) how Federal agencies can benefit from utilizing 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
       (B) the current use by Federal agencies of blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
       (C) the current and future preparedness and ability of 
     Federal agencies to adopt blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization; and
       (D) additional security measures Federal agencies may need 
     to take to--
       (i) safely and securely use blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization, including to ensure the security of 
     critical infrastructure; and
       (ii) enhance the resiliency of Federal systems against 
     cyber threats to blockchain technology or other distributed 
     ledger technology, applications built on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, tokens, 
     and tokenization;
       (8) supporting coordination of the activities of the 
     Federal Government related to the security of blockchain 
     technology and other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization; and
       (9) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, establishing advisory committees to support the 
     adoption of blockchain technology or other distributed ledger 
     technology, applications built on blockchain technology or 
     other distributed ledger technology, tokens, and 
     tokenization, the membership of which shall include--
       (A) the Secretary;
       (B) representatives of Federal agencies (as determined 
     necessary by the Secretary); and
       (C) nongovernmental stakeholders with expertise related to 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     including--
       (i) blockchain technology or other distributed ledger 
     technology infrastructure operators, suppliers, service 
     providers, and vendors;
       (ii) application developers building on blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology;
       (iii) developers and organizations supporting the 
     advancement and deployment of public blockchain technology or 
     other distributed ledger technology;
       (iv) subject matter experts representing industrial sectors 
     that can benefit from blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology;
       (v) small, medium, and large businesses;
       (vi) think tanks and academia;
       (vii) nonprofit organizations and consumer groups;
       (viii) cybersecurity experts;
       (ix) rural stakeholders;
       (x) covered nongovernmental representatives;
       (xi) artists and the content creator community; and
       (xii) other stakeholders with relevant expertise (as 
     determined necessary by the Secretary).
       (c) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall, on an ongoing 
     basis, facilitate and support the development and 
     dissemination of best practices with respect to blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization 
     that--
       (1) support the private sector, the public sector, and 
     public-private partnerships in the deployment of technologies 
     needed to advance the capabilities of blockchain technology 
     or other distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;

[[Page H3041]]

       (2) support the interoperability of blockchain technology 
     or other distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;
       (3) support operations, including hashing and key storage 
     and security systems, that form the foundation of blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
       (4) reduce cybersecurity and other risks that may 
     compromise blockchain technology or other distributed ledger 
     technology, applications built on blockchain technology or 
     other distributed ledger technology, tokens, and 
     tokenization;
       (5) reduce uncertainty and risks in the use of blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization; and
       (6) quantify the value and potential cost savings 
     associated with adoption of blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization, including through comparative 
     analyses of competing and existing technologies within 
     specific industry applications.
       (d) Additional Requirements.--In carrying out this section, 
     the Secretary shall--
       (1) consult closely and regularly with stakeholders, 
     including private sector individuals and entities, and 
     incorporate industry expertise;
       (2) collaborate with private sector stakeholders to 
     identify prioritized, flexible, repeatable, performance-
     based, and cost-effective approaches to the deployment of 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization;
       (3) disseminate research and information pertaining to the 
     use of, and marketplace for, blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;
       (4) develop standardized terminology for, and promote 
     common understanding of, blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;
       (5) ensure the best practices described in subsection (c) 
     facilitate the ease of use of blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization;
       (6) support open-source infrastructure, data management, 
     and authentication activities with respect to blockchain 
     technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     applications built on blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization; and
       (7) consider the needs and interests of both the private 
     and public sector, including small businesses and Federal, 
     State, and local governments.
       (e) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to--
       (1) require a private entity to share information with the 
     Secretary;
       (2) require a private entity to request assistance from the 
     Secretary;
       (3) require a private entity to implement any measure or 
     recommendation suggested by the Secretary in response to a 
     request by the private entity; or
       (4) require the adoption of the best practices described in 
     subsection (c).
       (f) Consultation.--In implementing this section, the 
     Secretary may, as appropriate, consult with the heads of 
     relevant Federal agencies.
       (g) Termination of Program.--The Blockchain Deployment 
     Program established pursuant to subsection (b)(3) shall 
     terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall make 
     public on the website of the Department of Commerce and 
     submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes--
       (1) a description of the activities of the Secretary under 
     this Act during the preceding year;
       (2) any recommendations by the Secretary for additional 
     legislation to strengthen the competitiveness of the United 
     States with respect to blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization; and
       (3) a description of any emerging risks and long-term 
     trends with respect to blockchain technology or other 
     distributed ledger technology, applications built on 
     blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, 
     tokens, and tokenization.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6572, the Deploying 
American Blockchains Act. I thank the sponsor and lead on this 
particular piece of legislation, Representative Bucshon, Dr. Bucshon, 
for his tireless efforts. He is definitely on a roll here.
  According to a report from Electric Capital, the United States is at 
serious risk of losing our global leadership in blockchain technology.
  The report states that in 2015, 40 percent of all blockchain 
developers were based in the United States, but today, that number has 
fallen to just 29 percent, Mr. Speaker, and it is continuing to 
decline. We can't let that happen. We have to stop that.
  Our country benefited greatly from our leadership in the development 
and deployment of the internet decades ago, but we cannot cede 
leadership over critical technologies like blockchains to others.
  This important bill will direct the Secretary of Commerce to take 
actions necessary to promote U.S. competitiveness related to the 
deployment, use, and new applications of this particular piece of 
technology.
  Instead of pushing American innovators abroad, the Secretary of 
Commerce needs to ensure that American innovators build here in the 
United States of America.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting of H.R. 6572, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6572, the Deploying American 
Blockchains Act. For decades, our Nation's technological leadership has 
helped build the largest, most dynamic economy in the world, but we 
must continue working to ensure we outcompete the rest of the world 
because our economic rivals are trying to close the gap.
  Last Congress, House Democrats championed historic legislation, the 
Chips and Science Act, that President Biden signed into law.
  This bill makes transformational investments in research and 
development, science and technology, and the workforce of the future.
  It will help us maintain our Nation's leadership in the industries of 
tomorrow, including nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing, 
and artificial intelligence.
  The Chips and Science Act is already making a huge difference, but we 
must build on its success. H.R. 6572, the Deploying American 
Blockchains Act, commissions the Department of Commerce to support the 
leadership in the United States with respect to blockchain technology, 
which may have useful applications for supply chain monitoring, data 
security, and financial transactions.
  I commend Representatives Blunt Rochester, Dingell, and Bucshon for 
their leadership on this issue, and I encourage all of my colleagues to 
support this bipartisan bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Bucshon).
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6572, the 
Deploying American Blockchains Act, that I introduced alongside 
Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester.
  This bill will promote American innovation and help develop the use 
of blockchains and distributed ledger technologies throughout the U.S. 
economy.
  Americans are leaders in utilizing blockchains in public and private 
sector areas, ranging from ensuring the traceability of drugs to 
managing supply chains for manufacturers.
  Unfortunately, in recent years, our leadership position has seriously 
diminished as other countries see and embrace the promise that 
blockchains hold.
  According to a 2023 report, the United States is at serious risk of 
losing its global leadership in blockchain.
  In 2015, 40 percent of blockchain developers were based in the United 
States. In 2022, that number was just 29 percent and dropping. Our 
share continues to dwindle.

[[Page H3042]]

  The Deploying American Blockchains Act will help rectify this trend 
by requiring the Secretary of Commerce to create a program to help 
promote the competitiveness of the United States in the deployment, 
use, and application of blockchains.
  Instead of pushing American innovators abroad, the Department of 
Commerce should work with American innovators to build their products 
here.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Deploying American 
Blockchains Act.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying that, again, this is 
important in terms of our competitiveness globally.
  I ask all our colleagues to vote in favor of this bill on a 
bipartisan basis, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on 
this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 6572, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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