Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 1664

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-06-24: Received in the Senate.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T20:08:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the United States' position in blockchain technology and other distributed ledger technology (DLT)—digital systems that share verified data across networks using cryptography for security and automation. It directs the Secretary of Commerce to lead efforts in promoting the deployment, use, applications, tokens (digital representations of information on these systems), and tokenization (the process of creating tokens) to enhance U.S. competitiveness, security, and innovation.

Key Provisions

• Definitions (Section 2): Provides clear terms, such as blockchain/DLT as a shared digital database using cryptography for integrity and automated updates; "token" as a transferable digital record; and "state" including U.S. territories and federally recognized Indian Tribes.
• Leadership Role for the Secretary of Commerce (Section 3):
• Serves as the main advisor to the President on blockchain/DLT policies.
• Requires actions to support U.S. leadership, including:
• Developing policies on risks and issues like cybersecurity, fraud reduction, regulatory compliance, e-commerce, healthcare, and supply chain strength.
• Promoting stability, security, and national/economic security.
• Establishing a temporary Blockchain Deployment Program within the Department of Commerce to foster adoption.
• Encouraging federal agency coordination and examining how agencies can use and prepare for blockchain/DLT, including security for critical infrastructure.
• Forming advisory committees within 180 days, including government officials, industry experts, businesses, academics, nonprofits, cybersecurity specialists, rural groups, artists, and others.
• Best Practices: Ongoing development and sharing of guidelines to aid private/public sectors and partnerships, focusing on interoperability (systems working together), secure operations (e.g., data hashing and key storage), risk reduction, ease of use, and measuring cost savings compared to other technologies.
• Additional Requirements: Involves consulting stakeholders, collaborating on practical approaches, sharing research, standardizing terms, supporting open-source tools, and addressing needs of small businesses and governments.
• Limitations: No requirements for private entities to share data, seek help, or adopt recommendations; the program ends after 7 years.
• Allows consultation with other federal agency heads.
• Reporting to Congress (Section 4): Within 2 years of enactment, and annually after, the Secretary must publish and submit reports detailing activities, legislative recommendations, and emerging risks/trends in blockchain/DLT.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a new centralized leadership role for the Department of Commerce in blockchain/DLT, which was not previously defined in federal law. It creates the first dedicated federal program for promoting these technologies, establishes advisory committees with diverse stakeholders, and mandates standardized terminology and best practices. Unlike prior laws, it explicitly addresses tokens and tokenization without imposing regulations, focusing instead on voluntary support and coordination among agencies.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Encourages adoption of blockchain/DLT for efficiency in areas like identity verification and supply chains; requires assessments of current use and security needs, potentially improving federal systems' resilience against cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure.
• On Citizens and Businesses: Promotes innovation in sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, and content creation, potentially reducing fraud and costs through secure, interoperable systems. Small businesses and rural areas may benefit from tailored best practices and open-source support, though adoption remains optional.
• On International Relations: Aims to boost U.S. global competitiveness, possibly influencing trade and tech standards; could position the U.S. as a leader against competitors in blockchain development, enhancing economic security without direct trade restrictions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Department of Commerce (lead role), other agencies (e.g., for coordination and adoption), and Congress (receives reports).
• Private Sector: Businesses (small, medium, large), developers, infrastructure providers, vendors, and application builders; artists, content creators, and consumer groups.
• Public and Nonprofit Sectors: Academia, think tanks, nonprofits, cybersecurity experts, and rural stakeholders.
• State and Local Entities: States, territories, possessions, District of Columbia, and Indian Tribes, included in definitions and consultations.
• Broader Society: Citizens benefiting from secure applications in daily life, such as fraud reduction and supply chain transparency.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Emphasizes voluntary participation, avoiding mandates on private entities to respect property rights and free enterprise; rules of construction prevent overreach, aligning with administrative law principles. No new regulatory powers are granted, focusing on advisory and supportive functions.
• Constitutional: Supports federalism by including states and tribes in definitions and activities, without preempting local laws. Promotes general welfare through innovation and security, consistent with Commerce Clause authority.
• Political: Positions blockchain/DLT as a national priority for economic and security competitiveness, potentially fostering bipartisan tech policy. The 7-year program sunset and annual reporting ensure accountability, while diverse advisory committees encourage inclusive, non-partisan input.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-24: Received in the Senate.
• 2025-06-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-06-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2855-2856)
• 2025-06-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2855-2856)
• 2025-06-23: DEBATE - The House resumed debate on H.R. 1664.
• 2025-06-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1664.
• 2025-06-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2855-2857)
• 2025-06-23: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2025-04-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 47.
• 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-70.
• 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-70.
• 2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
• 2025-04-08: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-02-27: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-23 — PDF (16 pages)
• Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (13 pages)
• Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (16 pages)