{"id":2463399,"date":"2025-07-18T07:53:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T11:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/campaign-cash-buys-big-crypto-allies-on-capitol-hill-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-07-18T07:57:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T11:57:40","slug":"campaign-cash-buys-big-crypto-allies-on-capitol-hill-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/campaign-cash-buys-big-crypto-allies-on-capitol-hill-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Campaign cash buys Big Crypto allies on Capitol Hill &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcampaign-cash-buys-big-crypto-allies-on-capitol-hill-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2463399&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses how key lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who recently pushed cryptocurrency legislation during a period dubbed &#8220;Crypto Week,&#8221; have been significant recipients of campaign contributions from the crypto industry. Analysis of Federal Election Commission data reveals that top sponsors of these bills have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cas-prison-guard-union-gives-1-75m-to-newsoms-anti-recall-committee-after-negotiating-bonuses-and-raises\/\" title=\"CA\u2019s Prison...Guard Union Gives .75M To Newsom\u2019s Anti...Recall Committee After Negotiating Bonuses And Raises\">received significant financial support<\/a> from crypto-related corporate donors.Notably, Rep. French Hill adn House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, sponsors of major crypto-related bills, have collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from venture capitalists and crypto executives, including figures like Andreessen Horowitz partners and the Winklevoss twins.<\/p>\n<p>Pro-crypto political action committees (PACs), such as Fairshake, Defend American jobs, and Protect Progress, have amassed and spent millions to influence elections and legislation. These pacs have supported candidates who favor blockchain innovation and cryptocurrency-friendly policies. For example, PAC spending helped elect crypto-friendly officials such as Senators Bernie moreno and Ruben gallego and contributed heavily to campaign advertising in key races.<\/p>\n<p>The article also highlights how the crypto sector is increasingly shaping U.S. economic policy, with almost half of all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/maryland-dem-skirts-self-imposed-corporate-money-ban-with-corporate-lobbyist-fundraiser\/\" title=\"Maryland Dem Skirts Self...Imposed Corporate Money Ban with Corporate Lobbyist Fundraiser\">corporate political spending<\/a> in 2024 tied to crypto interests.Legislation like the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act,the Anti-CBDC surveillance State Act,and the GENIUS Act are central to this influence,reflecting both the industry&#8217;s investment in political allies and lawmakers&#8217; efforts to create favorable regulatory frameworks for digital assets.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Campaign cash buys Big Crypto allies on Capitol Hill<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2175327\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The key lawmakers pushing a trio of cryptocurrency bills that passed during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3473785\/crypto-week-limbo-house-gop-holdouts-block-procedural-vote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">so-called &ldquo;Crypto Week&rdquo;<\/a> on Capitol Hill are the top beneficiaries of crypto campaign cash, heightening concerns about the crypto industry&rsquo;s increasing influence in U.S. economic policy.<\/p>\n<p>So far this year, co-sponsors of two of the cryptocurrency bills debated by the House this week have received the most crypto-tied campaign money from corporate donors, according to a <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> analysis of Federal Election Commission data.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/finance-and-economy\/3472164\/house-passes-crypto-week-legislation-after-republican-revolt\/\">House passes &#8216;crypto week&#8217; legislation after Republican revolt<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/3474382\/kevin-warsh-rumored-replacement-jerome-powell-calls-for-regime-change-at-fed\/\">Rumored candidate to replace Powell calls for &#8216;regime change&#8217; at Fed<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3473218\/republicans-advance-crypto-legislation-lengthy-house-rebellion\/\">Republicans advance crypto legislation after lengthy House rebellion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The top recipients of corporate crypto funding in 2025 include Rep. French Hill (R-AR), who introduced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/3633\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Digital Asset Market Clarity Act<\/a>, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), lead sponsor of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/1919\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act<\/a>. Both bills passed on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/finance-and-economy\/3472164\/house-passes-crypto-week-legislation-after-republican-revolt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">HOUSE PASSES &lsquo;CRYPTO WEEK&rsquo; LEGISLATION AFTER REPUBLICAN REVOLT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hill, head of the House Committee on Financial Services, has quickly collected $180,500 in campaign contributions from an array of election spenders across the cryptocurrency sector, including <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202504159755639864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$12,000<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202504159755639888\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">each<\/a> from Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, partners at the venture capital behemoth Andreessen Horowitz, which boasts <a href=\"https:\/\/a16zcrypto.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the largest-ever crypto venture fund<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Emmer directly received $58,000 in similar sourcing from his fundraising committee and victory fund. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/2621268\/house-majority-whip-tom-emmer-launches-fundraising-venture-to-help-republican-candidates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Emmer Majority Builders<\/a>, a joint PAC working to maintain Republican control of Congress, already amassed $433,800 in Big Crypto donations, <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202504159756002324\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">four-fifths<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202504159756002325\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">of it<\/a> from the Winklevoss twins, who co-own the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange.<\/p>\n<p>CLARITY Act co-sponsor Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY), <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RepRitchie\/status\/1896589274340012172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">co-founder<\/a> of the Congressional Crypto Caucus alongside Emmer, took in $116,500, including <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202507149762811470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$27,000<\/a> from Ripple chairman Chris Larsen and a <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202504159755389796\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">combined<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202504159755793586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$12,000<\/a> from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bitcoin surged to a new record high, a major boost for the cryptocurrency space. An advertisement for the cryptocurrency Bitcoin is displayed on a tram in Hong Kong. (AP Photo\/Kin Cheung, File)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In 2024, nearly 300 crypto-aligned candidates clinched seats in Congress, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/standwithcrypto\/status\/1864756158948381179\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">according to Stand With Crypto<\/a>, a congressional monitor launched by Coinbase for investors to track which political hopefuls favor crypto. Armstrong, of Coinbase, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/brian_armstrong\/status\/1854029872546656361\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">dubbed the outcome<\/a> &ldquo;America&rsquo;s most pro-crypto Congress ever.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The crypto industry accounted for almost half (44%) of all corporate dollars doled out in the 2024 elections, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.org\/article\/big-crypto-big-spending-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">according to spending watchdog Public Citizen<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Notably, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), who had introduced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/senate-bill\/1582\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act<\/a>, the third cryptocurrency bill under House consideration this week, secured $98,000 in campaign financing from crypto executives between 2023 and 2024, well before he announced his 2026 reelection bid.<\/p>\n<p>So did GENIUS Act co-sponsors Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), with $85,300, and Tim Scott (R-SC), with $64,700. Among the top Lummis donors, Matt Huang and Fred Ehrsam, managing partners at Paradigm, a spin-off of Coinbase and crypto investor Sequoia Capital, each <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202404139627619716\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">donated<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202404139627619715\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$11,600<\/a> to her victory committee.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pro-crypto PACs in play<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairshakepac.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Fairshake<\/a>, a super PAC cohort bankrolled by top cryptocurrency companies and C-suite political playmakers, has collected over $141 million in its war chest heading into the 2026 election season. The vote breakdown on Crypto Week&rsquo;s slate of bills will likely determine how the haul will be disbursed, if not the latter&rsquo;s looming presence influencing the former.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3434396\/crypto-2026-war-chest-congress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">CRYPTO BUILDS 2026 WAR CHEST TO PROTECT FOOTHOLD IN CONGRESS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Member organizations of this well-funded network, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/crypto-and-blockchain-leaders-amass-78-million-for-fairshake-super-pac-and-its-affiliates-to-support-pro-innovation-and-pro-crypto-leadership-going-into-2024-congressional-elections-302017443.html?tc=eml_cleartime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Fairshake affiliates<\/a> Defend American Jobs and its progressive counterpart Protect Progress, have already spent sizable sums in 2025 on congressional ad campaigns ahead of the special U.S. House elections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">State Sen. Randy Fine and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis won the GOP primary in the special election to fill the seats of former Reps. Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz. (Photos: Associated Press)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/defendamericanjobs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Defend American Jobs<\/a>, a single-issue super PAC focused on blockchain policy, poured <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00836221&amp;cycle=2026&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=H6FL06258\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$1.67 million<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00836221&amp;cycle=2026&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=H6FL01390\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$558,800<\/a>, respectively, into <a href=\"https:\/\/host2.adimpact.com\/admo\/viewer\/5d1180fd-3b26-45ed-b3ec-d7f5d24339e8\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">campaign ads<\/a> supporting now-elected Reps. Randy Fine (R-FL) and Jimmy Patronis (R-FL), <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202501219747679534\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">according<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202501239747737445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">to<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202503229754470232\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">FEC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202503229754470231\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">filings<\/a>. The Florida freshmen went on to win their special elections in April, replacing former Republican Reps. Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz.<\/p>\n<p>Fine and Patronis, both high-profile supporters of <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/VoteRandyFine\/status\/1879353078606078304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">&ldquo;crypto innovation,&rdquo;<\/a> were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsherald.com\/story\/news\/politics\/2025\/07\/15\/florida-republicans-join-trump-in-boosting-crypto-ahead-of-house-vote\/85197757007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">expected<\/a> to vote to support the GENIUS Act, passed on Thursday, sending the bill to President Donald Trump&rsquo;s desk.<\/p>\n<p>Patronis, formerly Florida&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/tokyo-olympics-set-to-go-on-regardless-of-covid-19-pandemic\/\" title=\"Tokyo Olympics Set To Go On \u2018Regardless\u2019 Of COVID...19 Pandemic\">chief financial officer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/myfloridacfo.com\/docs-sf\/cfo-news-libraries\/news-documents\/2024\/cfo-sba-letter.pdf?sfvrsn=cf808a4e_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">pushed to include Bitcoin investments<\/a> in the state&rsquo;s pension portfolio. As of January, his wife owns between $1,000 and $15,000 in Bitcoin stock, Patronis reported in <a href=\"https:\/\/disclosures-clerk.house.gov\/public_disc\/financial-pdfs\/2024\/10063221.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-asia-czars-holdings-may-present-conflict-of-interest\/\" title=\"Biden Asia Czar\u2019s Holdings May Present Conflict of Interest\">financial disclosure report<\/a><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/finance-and-economy\/3471895\/bitcoin-price-all-time-high-congress-pro-crypto-legislation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">BITCOIN BREAKS ALL-TIME HIGH AS CONGRESS CONSIDERS PRO-CRYPTO LEGISLATION<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >pro-crypto political committee&#038;nbsp<\/a>;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.protectprogresspac.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Protect Progress<\/a><\/span>  invested <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/fecimg\/?202506209762427504\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">$1 million in ad buys<\/a> backing James Walkinshaw, a Virginia Democrat seeking to fill the seat of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3418130\/virginia-rep-gerry-connolly-dies-at-75\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">deceased<\/a> Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), his old boss, in a September special election. The eleventh-hour advertising blitz had helped secure Walkinshaw&rsquo;s primary victory in June over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3447945\/virginia-democrats-gerry-connolly-firehouse-primary-election\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">a crowded field<\/a> of other liberal candidates.<\/p>\n<p>If elected, Walkinshaw appears poised to support similar cryptocurrency measures in Congress that embrace blockchain. Walkinshaw, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3452927\/gerry-connolly-dead-tweet-boost-chief-of-staff-virginia-election\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">previously Connelly&rsquo;s chief of staff<\/a>, is campaigning to integrate new technologies, mainly blockchain, as part of his economic development plan for Northern Virginia.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Blockchain, for example, can reduce administrative costs for businesses and lower fees for consumers,&rdquo; <a href=\"https:\/\/jameswalkinshaw.org\/priorities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">the priorities page<\/a> on Walkinshaw&rsquo;s campaign website says. &ldquo;Congress should establish modern, risk-based regulatory frameworks that support responsible innovation and prevent abuse.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Last election cycle, these super PACs spent the most <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">of all crypto-centered committees on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/host2.adimpact.com\/admo\/viewer\/ae40f265-29bb-40ab-9d34-f7c868f22d63\" target=\"_blank\">advertising<\/a>&nbsp;expenses, boosting the successful Senate bids of businessman Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), with Defend American Jobs&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00836221&amp;cycle=2024&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=S4OH00192\" target=\"_blank\">spending $40.1 million<\/a>; then-Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), with Protect Progress&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00848440&amp;cycle=2024&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=S4AZ00139\" target=\"_blank\">paying out $10 million<\/a>, and then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), with Protect Progress&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00848440&amp;cycle=2024&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=S4MI00470\" target=\"_blank\">spending<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00848440&amp;cycle=2024&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=S4MI00470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">  another $10 million<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to significant support from the crypto PAC funding, political outsider Moreno, a blockchain entrepreneur and co-sponsor of the GENIUS Act, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3215224\/sherrod-brown-bernie-moreno-ohio-senate-race\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">defeated<\/a> former Senate Banking Chair <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/sherrod-brown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Sherrod Brown<\/a>, a crypto skeptic who frequently spoke about <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SenSherrodBrown\/status\/1717641454221205836\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">&ldquo;cracking down on cryptocurrency.&rdquo;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gallego, now the highest-ranking Democrat on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallego.senate.gov\/press-releases\/watch-ranking-member-gallego-co-leads-first-digital-assets-subcommittee-hearing-lays-out-goals-for-crypto-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">a Senate subcommittee overseeing digital assets<\/a>, which Lummis chairs, emerged as a pro-cryptocurrency power player when he joined a GOP contingency on passing the GENIUS Act.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3331787\/senate-rules-road-bitcoin-digital-asset-hearing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">SENATE CONSIDERS &lsquo;RULES OF THE ROAD&rsquo; FOR BITCOIN AT DIGITAL ASSET HEARING<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Republicans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.senate.gov\/legislative\/LIS\/roll_call_votes\/vote1191\/vote_119_1_00318.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">found bipartisan support<\/a> from Gallego, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RubenGallego\/status\/1592173456090619905\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">once critical of cryptocurrency<\/a>, and Slotkin on ultimately pushing the GOP-led legislation through the Senate, though they initially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.senate.gov\/legislative\/LIS\/roll_call_votes\/vote1191\/vote_119_1_00240.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">voted no<\/a> on a motion to proceed due to <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SenatorSlotkin\/status\/1920592131946577962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">last-minute provisional changes<\/a>. While in the House, Slotkin <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">sponsored&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/118th-congress\/house-bill\/5050\/text\" target=\"_blank\">accountability<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/senate-bill\/1668\/cosponsors\" target=\"_blank\">bills<\/a><\/span>  to curb crypto corruption.<\/p>\n<p>Fairshake <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/data\/independent-expenditures\/?data_type=processed&amp;q_spender=C00835959&amp;cycle=2024&amp;is_notice=true&amp;most_recent=true&amp;candidate_id=S4CA00522\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">spent $10 million<\/a> on ad campaigns opposing the Senate run of <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/katieporteroc\/status\/1819499529470722297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">outspoken crypto critic<\/a> Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), who later lost her party&rsquo;s nomination during the primary race against Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). On the campaign trail, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.standwithcrypto.org\/politicians\/person\/adam---schiff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Schiff filled out<\/a> Stand With Crypto&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.standwithcrypto.org\/questionnaire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">candidate questionnaire<\/a>, indicating that he would vote for legislation legitimizing digital assets<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">. He kept this pledge&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.schiff.senate.gov\/news\/press-releases\/statement-sen-schiff-statement-ahead-of-senate-vote-on-genius-act\/\" target=\"_blank\">by backing the GENIUS Act&rsquo;s passage<\/a>&nbsp;despite&nbsp;<\/span>originally voting against it, moving forward as is.<\/p>\n<p><em>Robert Schmad contributed to the reporting of this article.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2175327\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2175327\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crypto campaign funds back key lawmakers on Capitol Hill<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3767,"featured_media":2463400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/iStock-2148276062-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[4087,32592,12577,4198],"class_list":["post-2463399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-campaign","tag-capitol-hill","tag-cryptocurrency","tag-lobbying"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/iStock-2148276062-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2463399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3767"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2463399"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2463399\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2463403,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2463399\/revisions\/2463403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2463400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2463399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2463399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2463399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}