A Boon For Bitcoin and Ripple (XRP): Congressman Tom Emmer Backs Bill to Remove SEC Chair Gensler

• Congressman Tom Emmer is backing the Bill to restructure the SEC and sack Gary Gensler.
• This move may prove to be beneficiary for Bitcoin and XRP in the long term.

Recently, Congressman Tom Emmer has thrown his support behind the SEC Stabilization Act, a bill aimed at restructuring the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by ousting its current Chairman, Gary Gensler, a move they can potentially benefit Bitcoin (BTC) and Ripple (XRP), two major players in the digital asset space.

The SEC Stabilization Act and Criticisms Against Gensler

The SEC Stabilization Act, introduced by Congressman Warren Davidson in June, addresses what he described as a “long series of abuses” under Gensler’s tenure. Critics argue that Gensler’s enforcement-first approach to regulating the digital asset sector has stifled innovation in the United States. 

Emmer, a co-lead on the bill, stated in a recent post on X, “I’m proud to join @WarrenDavidson as a co-lead on his bill, the SEC Stabilization Act, so we can #FireGaryGensler.” Emmer accuses Gensler of favoring Wall Street over Main Street, sparking a renewed call for change within the SEC.

Gensler’s SEC sides with Wall Street, not Main Street.

I’m proud to join @WarrenDavidson as a co-lead on his bill, the SEC Stabilization Act, so we can #FireGaryGensler.

— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) December 28, 2023

Congressman Davidson has been a vocal advocate for pro-crypto policies and has consistently criticized the SEC for its opaque regulations and selective enforcement. He congratulated El Salvador in 2021 for adopting Bitcoin, signaling his positive stance toward the innovative potential of cryptocurrencies. 

Emmer’s support for the SEC Stabilization Act is seen as a crucial step in addressing the frustrations within the crypto community. The #FireGaryGensler movement reflects a collective desire for a change in leadership at the SEC, with hopes that a new approach will lead to clearer regulations and a more supportive environment for crypto innovation.

Prominent figures within the crypto space, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, have expressed concerns about the SEC’s regulatory stance. 

They argue that unclear regulations and continued crackdowns could drive crypto firms away from the U.S. market. Tim Draper, a well-known venture capitalist, has also criticized Gensler for labeling the crypto industry as one filled with ‘scam artists’ and ‘fraudsters,’ stating that the SEC has hindered crypto innovation with its policies.

Hopes for Bitcoin and Ripple Amid Regulatory Uncertainties

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, has weathered regulatory storms and market fluctuations over the years. Consequently, Congressman Emmer’s support for removing Chair Gensler is seen by many Bitcoin advocates as a positive development that could pave the way for a more favorable regulatory environment for the leading digital asset. Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $42,800, down by 1.5% with market capitalization pegged at $836 billion.

For Ripple Labs Inc. and its XRP token, the backing of Emmer’s bill offers a glimmer of hope for regulatory clarity. The ongoing legal battle with the SEC has created uncertainty for Ripple and its investors. 

A change in leadership at the SEC could potentially lead to a shift in the agency’s approach to crypto regulation, offering Ripple a chance to settle its legal disputes and move forward with its mission to facilitate cross-border payments. 

As of the time of writing, XRP is down by 2.1% and is trading at $0.6323, with a market cap of $34.2 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $1.4 billion.