On Wednesday, Representative Gabe Amo’s office shared a press statement announcing that he, along with Representative Kim from California, has put forward a bipartisan resolution. This measure backs the use of distributed ledger technologies (DLT), such as blockchain, with an aim to bolster democratic governance, uphold human rights, and promote freedom of information, transparency, and innovation globally.
While the full text of the resolution wasn’t included in the announcement, it calls on federal agencies to explore and endorse DLT. It also conveys Congress’s dedication to fostering responsible innovation in this technological field.
In the press release, Rep. Kim emphasized the crucial role of such technology. “Through emerging technologies like blockchain, U.S. leadership not only enhances the lives of Americans but also promotes transparency in U.S. foreign aid, human rights, and global freedom,” Rep. Kim stated. She further expressed, “At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is spreading its surveillance technology and authoritarian influence, joining Congressman Amo in this bipartisan resolution is essential. Our goal is for the United States to stand as a beacon of hope, freedom, and innovation on the international stage.”
The press statement highlighted an instance in Screven County, Georgia, where the Bitcoin blockchain was utilized to secure election results and improve transparency for voters, referencing an article that detailed the event.
Simple Proof, the company that assisted Screven County officials in logging their vote counts onto the unchangeable Bitcoin blockchain, has also recently supported Republican officials in Williamson County, Tennessee, by securing the outcome of their leadership vote similarly.
Simple Proof first gained recognition when it helped ensure the integrity of the latest presidential election in Guatemala, a story narrated in the short documentary “Immutable Democracy.” By securing vote tallies on the Bitcoin blockchain, the company was able to maintain the election’s integrity, despite attempts to alter physical ballots post-voting.
The company’s work, both in the U.S. and internationally, underscores a point made by Rep. Amo in the press release. “Technological innovations like blockchain are instrumental in enhancing transparency and fortifying democratic institutions worldwide,” he noted.
While the press release highlighted examples of the Bitcoin blockchain safeguarding democratic principles, it did not address the differences between Bitcoin and other blockchains, some of which are inherently less secure.
