News from December 2023


Club for Growth Foundation raises concerns over NYSE's proposed rule change

Club for Growth Foundation raises concerns over NYSE's proposed rule change

The Club for Growth Foundation, an organization known for advocating economic freedom and limited government, has expressed concerns to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding a proposed rule change sought by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The proposed rule pertains to Natural Asset Companies (NACs), and the Foundation argues that this could cause the SEC to deviate from its mission as established by Congress in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


Gallagher: U.S. has evidence of 'Chinese government officials accessing a product that hosts secret TikTok  information.'

Gallagher: U.S. has evidence of 'Chinese government officials accessing a product that hosts secret TikTok information.'

Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), has discussed evidence suggesting that the United States may possess information indicating TikTok as a national security concern. This comes amidst ongoing investigations into the social media platform.


Binance CEO Richard Teng: 'Binance has invested heavily in compliance'

Binance CEO Richard Teng: 'Binance has invested heavily in compliance'

Richard Teng, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, stated that American regulatory agencies have acknowledged the efforts Binance has made to enhance its compliance. Teng assumed the role of CEO in November as part of a settlement with the U.S. government to resolve historical compliance issues associated with Binance.


Wittman: 'we must strengthen our Navy and Marine Corps'

Wittman: 'we must strengthen our Navy and Marine Corps'

U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (R-Va.) recently addressed the aggression of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the U.S. Naval Institute Defense Forum. He emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to augment its Navy and Marine Corps capabilities to counteract this aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. The forum, which focused on national security, took place earlier this month.


Analyzing the high crypto usage rate in Vietnam

Analyzing the high crypto usage rate in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to a significant proportion of its population that engages with cryptocurrency. Approximately 17 percent of Vietnamese citizens have either used or currently possess crypto assets.


Implications that crypto donations have on your taxes

Implications that crypto donations have on your taxes

The implications of receiving cryptocurrency donations on tax returns have been increasingly recognized over the past five years.


US Rep. Torres: Blockchain, stablecoins can 'create a better, cheaper, and faster payment system for the lowest-income Americans'

US Rep. Torres: Blockchain, stablecoins can 'create a better, cheaper, and faster payment system for the lowest-income Americans'

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has expressed his belief that the amalgamation of blockchain technology and stablecoins could enhance financial services for impoverished Americans. In a post on X, Torres underscored the necessity for appropriate regulation in implementing blockchain and stablecoins.


US Rep. Davidson: 'Anyone attacking self-custody opposes individual freedom'

US Rep. Davidson: 'Anyone attacking self-custody opposes individual freedom'

U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, has expressed his support for the passage of his proposed Keep Your Coins Act. This legislation aims to maintain the ability of cryptocurrency users to conduct transactions without the need for a third-party intermediary. In a post on Dec. 19, Davidson stated that the bill would shield Americans from the introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).


Reps. asks Secretary Blinken to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and CCP officials

Reps. asks Secretary Blinken to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and CCP officials

Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Ranking Member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), in conjunction with the chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), have called for sanctions to be imposed on officials responsible for the CCP's placement of bounties on five individuals. The request was directed to United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.


US Treasury is tightening the price cap on Russian oil

US Treasury is tightening the price cap on Russian oil

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced a tightening of the price cap on Russian oil, in addition to introducing new sanctions on Russia and its partners.


US Outdoor Economic Recreation Economy earned over $1 trillion in 2022

US Outdoor Economic Recreation Economy earned over $1 trillion in 2022

The U.S. Department of Commerce has disclosed in a report that the U.S. Outdoor Recreation Economy amassed over $1 trillion during 2022, reflecting an upward trend in expenditure on hotels, restaurants, and transportation.


Chief Patrol Agent: 'Criminal smuggling organizations prey on migrants'

Chief Patrol Agent: 'Criminal smuggling organizations prey on migrants'

Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), recently reiterated the organization's stance on asylum laws through a reposted tweet from the CBP's main account.


CBP offers tips for holiday shoppers to avoid buying pirated products

CBP offers tips for holiday shoppers to avoid buying pirated products

As the holiday season approaches, online shoppers are being warned to stay vigilant against counterfeit items. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported that over $23.2 million worth of such items were confiscated during the 2023 fiscal year, which spans from October 1, 2022, to the end of August 2023. These goods would have been valued at over $2.8 billion if they were genuine.


Protect the Public’s Trust-obtained document shows DOJ's vigorous effort to implement Garland Memo

Protect the Public’s Trust-obtained document shows DOJ's vigorous effort to implement Garland Memo

A document procured by Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) discloses that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) directed hundreds of DOJ officials nationwide to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies in executing the "Garland Memo." This revelation challenges prior statements from the DOJ, which sought to minimize the memo's significance.


HHS urges states to expand Medicare coverage to help youths keep health insurance

HHS urges states to expand Medicare coverage to help youths keep health insurance

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released data that underscores its concerns regarding state laws that affect families during the renewal process for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The HHS revealed that states, particularly those with expanded Medicaid programs supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are better equipped to maintain coverage for children.


Chairman Gallagher sends defense suggestions to Pentagon

Chairman Gallagher sends defense suggestions to Pentagon

The Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), has submitted defense recommendations to the Pentagon, in response to potential threats posed by China to Taiwan. The recommendations follow war games conducted by the Select Committee, which simulated a hypothetical 2027 invasion of Taiwan by the CCP and highlighted potential gaps in U.S. preparedness.


Two SEC Commissioners dissent from denial of Coinbase's rulemaking petition

Two SEC Commissioners dissent from denial of Coinbase's rulemaking petition

On December 15, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda expressed their dissent regarding the SEC's denial of Coinbase's rulemaking petition. The commissioners stated that they believe the SEC needs to address the issues raised by new technologies by soliciting input from the public and then issuing guidance or engaging in rulemaking.


North Carolina Rep. McHenry: Gensler's 'refusal to provide clarity for the digital asset ecosystem is shameful'

North Carolina Rep. McHenry: Gensler's 'refusal to provide clarity for the digital asset ecosystem is shameful'

U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has expressed criticism towards U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler for rejecting a rulemaking petition from cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase on December 15. In a post on social media platform X, McHenry stated that the Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT) for the 21st Century Act would instruct both the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to initiate rulemaking for the cryptocurrency industry, a move he believes would enhance...


HUD to provide $10 million to mitigate family and youth homelessnes

HUD to provide $10 million to mitigate family and youth homelessnes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a $10 million provision to 13 public housing authorities to assist foster children at risk of homelessness or who are already homeless. The initiative, led by HUD's Family Unification Program (FUP), aims to provide 625 vouchers and enhance collaboration between parties involved in receiving the grant. It also seeks to increase access to supportive services for those in need.


Gov. Sanders: 'China is a hostile foreign adversary'

Gov. Sanders: 'China is a hostile foreign adversary'

The office of Governor Sarah Sanders (R-Arkansas) is currently conducting an investigation into the potential violation of state law by two Arkansas-based companies, alleged to have affiliations with China. Last week, Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward raised his concerns in a letter addressed to Attorney General Tim Griffin (R-Arkansas), calling for investigations into these companies.