Sponsors
22 Democrats
Sam LiccardoCA-16
Chris MurphySenator · CT
This bill, known as the MEME Act, prohibits federal elected officials, certain high-ranking government employees, and their immediate families from engaging in "prohibited financial transactions" for pecuniary gain. These transactions include the issuance, sponsorship, or promotion of "covered assets," explicitly defined to include cryptocurrencies, meme coins, tokens, and non-fungible tokens. The restrictions apply during their term of service, 180 days prior, and 180 days after, backed by civil and criminal penalties, and a private right of action for harm suffered.
This bill primarily addresses ethical conduct and potential corruption among public officials rather than regulating the crypto industry or its users directly. By classifying digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, meme coins, tokens, and NFTs, as 'covered assets' that public officials cannot promote for personal financial gain, the bill extends existing public ethics rules to a newer asset class. It does not introduce new regulations on the creation, trading, or use of crypto for the general public or the industry. Instead, it ensures that public servants are held to the same standard of conduct regarding digital assets as they are for traditional securities and commodities. The penalties and enforcement mechanisms are typical for government ethics legislation, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest and exploitation of public office. The bill's impact on the broader crypto market is neutral, as it neither restricts nor enables crypto activities beyond the scope of public officials' personal financial dealings.
Every member who has sponsored, cosponsored or voted on this bill. Pick a vote to see how each member voted on it, or narrow by party, name or state.
2 Democrats
23 Democrats
