House Conservatives Demand Bill Banning Central Bank Digital Currency Be Merged With Other Crypto Bills

The House was brought to a standstill on July 15 after conservatives tanked a vote to progress a series of cryptocurrency-related bills over their concerns that the format would leave loopholes for a future central bank digital currency (CBDC), which unlike decentralized cryptocurrency is designed for centralized control. In a 196–223 vote on Tuesday, the House rejected a rule that would have allowed lawmakers to consider a Department of Defense funding bill and several bills related to cryptocurrency. Twelve Republicans joined all Democrats in blocking the rule, including Reps. Chip Roy (Texas), Scott Perry (Pa.), Ann Paulina Luna (Fla.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Tim Burchett (Tenn.), Eli Crane (Ariz.), Victoria Spartz (Ind.), Michael Cloud (Texas), Andrew Clyde (Ga.), Andy Harris (Md.), and Keith Self (Texas). Most are members of the freedom caucus, including chair Harris....