While much of the national spotlight on cryptocurrency has focused on tech billionaires, influencers, or SEC lawsuits, it’s a congressman from Wisconsin who’s now shaping the rules of America’s digital financial future.
Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) has rapidly emerged as the leading voice in the U.S. House of Representatives on cryptocurrency and digital asset legislation. As Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and AI, Steil is shaping a new federal framework for blockchain, tokenized assets, and decentralized finance.
From Janesville to Washington: Building a Legal Framework for Crypto
Steil’s most notable legislative win came with the passage of the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins), signed into law by President Trump this summer. The bipartisan law is the first federal framework governing stablecoins, requiring issuers to hold one-to-one dollar reserves, publish regular audits, and follow strict anti-money-laundering protocols. It explicitly removes stablecoin oversight from the SEC and CFTC, creating a clear lane for innovation.
The GENIUS Act was built on a foundation Steil helped draft—the earlier Stable Act. Together, the bills reflect Steil’s long-standing push to protect the U.S. dollar’s dominance while fostering competitive blockchain innovation.
Steil also co-sponsored the CLARITY Act, another major step toward regulating digital assets. The legislation clearly defines when a token is treated as a commodity (e.g., Bitcoin) versus a security, removing regulatory gray areas. It also protects the right to use non-custodial wallets and conduct peer-to-peer crypto transactions, helping preserve decentralization as a core American value.
Recognized for Leadership
In July, Steil praised the Trump White House’s newly released Digital Assets Policy Report, a 160-page blueprint for a “Golden Age of Digital Assets.” The report supports both the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts as key pillars for securing U.S. leadership in the evolving Web3 economy. (RELATED: Controversial Programs at Wisconsin Universities Lose Grant Funding in Trump-Era)
Since 2021, Steil has issued more than 100 public statements on crypto-related issues. But 2025 marked a turning point. With digital assets moving from niche to mainstream amid a political and financial transformation, Steil’s role has expanded—putting a Wisconsin lawmaker at the center of America’s next-generation financial system.
Steil’s efforts have earned him a Grade A rating from Stand With Crypto, a national scorecard that evaluates lawmakers based on their voting record, public statements, and policy expertise on digital assets. (RELATED: Congress Weighs Tariff Rebate Checks as Revenue Reaches Record Levels)