Chairman Carper Highlights FEC Decision to Allow Bitcoins as Political Donations

WASHINGTON- Today, Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, commented on the 6-0 vote by the Federal Election Commission that will allow bitcoin donations to political committees.  The decision comes six months after the Commission began discussing how virtual currencies could be adopted in the campaign process. 

“This recent decision by the Federal Election Commission is an important step,” said Chairman Carper. “I commend the agency for establishing what appear to be clear rules for the road regarding how individuals can donate bitcoins to political funds, while still maintaining transparency and ensuring donors are fully identified.  I hope other regulatory agencies take note of the agency’s leadership in this area and begin offering guidance for how consumers can use virtual currencies within the bounds of the law.”