The award is designed to highlight the work of U.S. government leaders who have exhibited engagement, initiative and commitment to the “nuanced and complex” cryptocurrency space.

"The Crypto Council feels it is important to recognize these 'first movers' in the policy arena as we expand awareness of the critical importance of crypto and web3 and engage with current and future champions of the digital assets revolution," according to the council. “We know it is going to take a broad effort to build and secure the foundation for our digital future. These members of Congress have demonstrated a growth-oriented approach to regulation and public policy that will be essential in reaching crypto’s full promise for all.”

The Republican recipients from the Senate are:

• Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee
• John Boozman from Arizona
• Ted Cruz from Texas
• Steve Daines from Montana
• Bill Hagerty from Tennessee
• Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming
• John Thune from South Dakota
• Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania
• Tommy Tuberville from Alabama

The Democrat recipients from the Senate are:

• Cory Booker from New Jersey
• Kirsten Gillibrand from New York
• Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona
• Ron Wyden from Oregon  

“Innovation is changing our economy–and our society–at a rapid pace, and crypto is one of many new areas that policymakers and regulators are tackling,” according to the award announcement.

“The degree of speed and complexity can make it difficult to grasp the scope of technology and services within the space. Core issues like crypto regulation and the definition of digital assets can take careful consideration over significant periods of time.”

To address these considerations, the council is calling for education, interaction and dialogue in the policymaking process.

From Twitter

Senator Cynthia Lummis @SenLummis Sep 21

"I’m proud to accept the Digital Future Award from @crypto_council ! This industry developed rapidly and Congress needs to catch up. That’s why  @gillibrandny and I introduced the Responsible Financial Innovation Act to protect consumers and empower innovators to set the US apart."

Earlier this year, Sens. Gillibrand, who sits on the Agriculture Committee and Lummis, a member of the banking committee, introduced a sweeping, nearly 70-page piece of legislation to address myriad regulatory concerns in the crypto space. “Digital assets, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have experienced tremendous growth in the past few years and offer substantial potential benefits if harnessed correctly. It is critical that the United States play a leading role in developing policy to regulate new financial products, while also encouraging innovation and protecting consumers,” said Gillibrand at the time the bill was introduced. 

The Republican recipients from the House of Representatives are:

• Ted Budd from North Carolina
• Warren Davidson from Ohio
• Tom Emmer from Minnesota
• Brett Guthrie from Kentucky
• Bill Huizenga from Michigan
• Patrick McHenry from North Carolina
• David Schweikert from Arizona
• GT Thompson from Pennsylvania

The Democrat recipients from the House of Representatives are:

• Jake Auchincloss from Massachusetts
• Joyce Beatty from Ohio
• Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey
• Ro Khanna from California
• Doris Matsui from California
• Darren Soto from Florida
• Ritchie Torres from New York
• Maxine Waters from California

“Our goal is to ensure that the process of writing and passing crypto legislation features careful evaluation and assessment of real-world evidence. With this kind of approach, we can ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in this globally competitive industry and is positioned squarely at the cutting edge of the world’s digital future,” according to the awards announcement.