Sweeping Support for Elizabeth Warren’s Anti-Money Laundering Bill
Senator Elizabeth Warren’s proposed Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering bill has gained the support of nine more senators, bringing the total number of backers to 12. The bill aims to crack down on the illicit use of cryptocurrencies, which Warren argues enables rogue nations, drug lords, and fraudsters to launder stolen funds and evade sanctions. The bipartisan coalition supporting the bill includes influential organizations such as Transparency International U.S. and the National Consumers League.
Overview of Warren’s Proposed Legislation
The proposed legislation imposes regulatory obligations on individuals involved in cryptocurrencies, including wallet providers, miners, and validators. If approved, these individuals would be required to submit reports for transactions over $10,000 and report any suspicious activities related to money laundering or tax avoidance. The bill also extends the regulatory framework that applies to traditional financial institutions to cryptocurrency firms, subjecting them to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
Concerns Over Crypto Tax Gap
One of Warren’s major concerns is the “crypto tax gap,” estimated to be around $50 billion. She warns that if tax policies are not updated promptly, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Treasury could lose approximately $1.5 billion in tax revenue for fiscal year 2024.
Building an “Anti-Crypto Army”
Senator Warren has been vocal in her criticism of cryptocurrencies and has expressed her intention to build an “anti-crypto army.” She believes that the legislation will eliminate gaps in anti-money laundering regulations and prevent criminal organizations from exploiting cryptocurrencies for illegal activities.
Hot Take: Elizabeth Warren Gains Wide Support for Anti-Money Laundering Bill
Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering bill has garnered significant support from senators and influential organizations. The proposed legislation aims to address the illicit use of cryptocurrencies and impose regulatory obligations on individuals involved in the digital asset industry. Warren’s concerns about the “crypto tax gap” highlight the need for updated tax policies to prevent potential revenue loss. While Warren’s criticism of cryptocurrencies has sparked controversy, her efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering regulations have gained momentum. The bipartisan coalition supporting the bill demonstrates a growing readiness in Congress to take action against crypto’s illicit use.
Insa’s extensive background in the financial realm encompasses roles as a writer, trader, and personal finance coach. Her proficiency spans a wide spectrum, ranging from commodities and indices to forex and cryptocurrencies. Insa’s specialization lies in furnishing strategic investment advice tailored to the fintech investment niche.