On Wednesday, the office of Representative Gabe Amo released a press announcement indicating that Rep. Amo alongside Rep. Kim (R-CA) has reintroduced a bipartisan resolution endorsing the application of distributed ledger technologies (DLT), including blockchain, to “enhance democratic governance, human rights, freedom of information, transparency, and innovation globally.”
The resolution (the complete text of which was not provided in the press announcement) urges federal entities to investigate and endorse DLT and declares Congress’ commitment to fostering responsible innovation in this technological domain.
Rep. Kim remarked on the significance of this technology in the press announcement.
“U.S. leadership in cutting-edge technologies like blockchain not only enhances the lives of Americans but also aids in advancing transparency in U.S. foreign aid, human rights, and liberty worldwide,” stated Rep. Kim.
“This legislation is crucial, particularly as we observe the Chinese Communist Party disseminating its surveillance technologies and authoritarianism internationally. I am honored to partner with Congressman Amo to spearhead this bipartisan resolution to ensure the United States stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, and innovation on the global stage,” she added.
The press announcement also highlighted that in Screven County, Georgia, Bitcoin blockchain technology was utilized to secure election results and offer transparency to voters, referencing this article, which narrates the occurrence.
Simple Proof, the firm that assisted Screven County officials in recording its vote counts on the immutable Bitcoin blockchain, also recently aided Republicans in Williamson County, Tennessee in similar efforts with their Republican leadership vote.
Simple Proof gained recognition for securing the results of the most recent presidential election in Guatemala, a narrative depicted in the short documentary Immutable Democracy. Due to the election results being preserved on the Bitcoin blockchain, the integrity of the election remained intact, despite attempts to manipulate physical votes post-voting.
The efforts the company has undertaken both domestically and internationally underscore a point made by Rep. Amo in the press announcement.
“Innovative technology like blockchain aids in promoting transparency and reinforcing democratic institutions worldwide,” remarked the congressman.
While the press announcement provided examples of the Bitcoin blockchain being employed to uphold democratic principles, it did not distinguish between Bitcoin and other blockchains, many of which, inherently, are less secure.
