The House of Representatives Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence — part of the Financial Services Committee — is now packed with pro-crypto legislators. 

But in an era of hyper-partisanship in Washington, observers are skeptical whether common-sense legislation for cryptocurrencies can overcome partisan gridlock. 

And while crypto lobbies and political action committees played a crucial role in funding a number of campaigns in 2024, there are other pressing matters facing lawmakers — like the rising cost of living and escalating conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

Crypto simply may not be at the top of the list of legislative priorities. 

How crypto may get caught in partisan gridlock

The majority of Congressional Republicans have already shown themselves as proponents of a pro-crypto, laissez-faire approach to regulation. The party has taken great pains to contrast itself with the more cautious Democrats, who prioritize investor protections and financial oversight.

Indeed, the Grand Old Party's official 2024 platform states:

"Republicans will end Democrats' unlawful and unAmerican Crypto crackdown and oppose the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency. We will defend the right to mine Bitcoin, and ensure every American has the right to self-custody of their Digital Assets, and transact free from Government Surveillance and Control."

The site DoTheySupportIt ("it" being crypto) tracks various representatives' stances on crypto. The methodology is rough, but it gives a snapshot of who supports crypto in Washington — and it's almost all Republicans.

Still, it isn't as politicized as "wedge" issues like reproductive rights, gun ownership, or LGBTQ+ inclusivity and acceptance. At least not yet.

One reason it isn't so politicized is the complicated nature of crypto regulation. As noted by Dylan Desjardins, a research associate at George Washington University's Regulatory Studies Center, "Grouping voter sentiments into neat categories is further complicated by the complexity of crypto-related issues generally."

"For example, government propagation of digital currency might be thought of as loosening crypto regulation, but cuts against conservative distrust of government."