The "Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Commerce to support U.S. leadership in blockchain technology through an advisory committee, development of best practices, and reports to Congress.
Bernie Moreno
Senator
OH
The "Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Commerce to be the lead advisor to the President on blockchain technology and to support the technology's advancement and security in the United States. This includes establishing an advisory committee to examine blockchain-related issues, develop best practices, and promote U.S. leadership in the field. The Secretary is also required to develop guidelines for blockchain deployment, focusing on technological advancements, interoperability, cybersecurity risk reduction, and potential cost savings, as well as submit regular reports to Congress on these activities.
New Bill Taps Commerce Secretary to Lead U.S. Blockchain Strategy, Sets Up 7-Year Advisory Panel
This bill, the "Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025," positions the Secretary of Commerce as the primary advisor to the President on all things blockchain. It directs the Secretary to establish a National Blockchain Deployment Advisory Committee within 180 days, tasked with helping the U.S. lead the way in deploying, using, and competing globally with blockchain and similar distributed ledger technologies.
Charting the Course for Blockchain
The core of the bill is creating the National Blockchain Deployment Advisory Committee. Think of it as a temporary brain trust – lasting seven years – bringing together folks from federal agencies and outside experts (referred to as "covered nongovernmental representatives," similar to how trade advisors are selected). Their job is to dig into the weeds: examining risks and potential solutions around things like decentralized identity, keeping blockchain systems secure, and making supply chains more reliable using this tech. They'll also be looking at how federal agencies might use blockchain, what security upgrades are needed, and developing best practices to guide future deployment.
From Advice to Action (Maybe)
Beyond setting up the committee, the Secretary of Commerce gets a broader mandate. They're tasked with supporting the development of guidelines and best practices for blockchain deployment. This includes promoting things like interoperability (making different systems work together), improving security, and figuring out the real value and potential cost savings. The Secretary is expected to work with the private sector, gather industry know-how, publish research, and try to create some common language around blockchain concepts. Importantly, Section 3 clarifies that private companies aren't required to share info, ask for help, or actually use any of the suggestions or best practices that come out of this effort. It's about guidance, not mandates.
Keeping Tabs and Looking Ahead
So, what does this mean practically? For now, it's mostly about government getting organized and informed. Starting two years after the bill passes, the Commerce Secretary has to send annual reports to Congress detailing their activities, suggesting laws to boost U.S. competitiveness, and flagging any new risks or trends. A final report summing up the Advisory Committee's findings is due 18 months before the committee disbands. While this bill doesn't directly change how you use technology today, it lays the groundwork for future federal policies and potential government uses of blockchain, aiming to ensure the U.S. stays competitive and secure as this technology evolves.