House GOP Leader McCarthy Says US Govt Must Go All-In on Blockchain
Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is sounding a lot like a tech entrepreneur these days. In a plea before a select committee on March 12 introducing ideas for Congress to prioritize in the 21st century, the GOP leader made his case for integrating blockchain technology into the government’s day-to-day operations.
Kevin McCarthy: U.S. Government Should Dive Head-First into Blockchain
McCarthy fell short of proposing that they use a public crypto network such as Ethereum, for instance, suggesting instead that the U.S. government build its own blockchain. He is, however, willing to admit that Congress “might need help from the outside.”
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McCarthy conveyed a sense of urgency to his peers in what he described as both a “window and an opportunity,” particularly considering the issue that both sides of the aisle have proven they can agree on is technology. Paramount to the government embracing the 21st century for technology is security, and the House Minority Leader emphasized that the blockchain is the solution, saying:
“Blockchain is changing and revolutionizing the security of the financial industry out there. Why would we wait around and why wouldn’t we institute blockchain on our own to be able to check the technology but also the transparency of our own legislative documents.”
For instance, it’s not uncommon for members of Congress to learn the details of a new bill hours before it reaches the floor, a lack of transparency that the blockchain could solve.
Another point of contention is bill revisions, something that McCarthy suggested a simple Microsoft program could let Congressional members view alterations in real-time, emphasizing that it is not a “partisan issue” and that it “helps on both sides,” adding:
