The Blockchain Association (BA) has voiced its opposition to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s proposed Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act (DAAMLA) in a letter signed by eighty individuals, including former U.S. government and military officials. The letter, addressed to key lawmakers, warns that the bill could drive a significant portion of the digital asset industry overseas, posing national security risks and hindering law enforcement efforts.
Signatories argue that Senator Warren’s legislation could stifle innovation and economic growth within the digital asset sector while having limited effectiveness in targeting foreign illicit actors. Notable figures within the digital asset industry, including Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad, have joined voices with individuals from various branches of the U.S. military, emphasizing the collective concern over the potential ramifications of the proposed bill.
The opposition from the Blockchain Association shows a growing divide between proponents of digital asset innovation and lawmakers advocating for stricter regulation. Balancing regulatory measures with the need to foster innovation and maintain national security interests remains a complex challenge. The diverse perspectives within the industry, along with the voices of former officials and advocacy groups, are likely to shape future policy directions as lawmakers navigate the evolving landscape of digital finance.
