Texas Congressman Proposes Crypto ATMs in Federal Buildings

Texas Representative Lance Gooden is urging the federal government to install cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings, aligning with President Donald Trump’s pro-digital asset stance. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian, Gooden argued that placing crypto ATMs in government facilities would signal public support for innovation and blockchain adoption.

Gooden’s proposal emphasizes enhancing accessibility to digital assets, noting that this move would position the U.S. as a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. He called for implementation with strong identity verification standards and clear transparency around transaction fees to ensure secure usage.

Currently, the GSA hosts a limited number of traditional ATMs across its facilities. This proposal suggests extending that service to include digital asset machines, even as crypto ATMs face increased regulatory scrutiny. Recent concerns about fraud linked to such devices have led to proposed legislation like the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, introduced by Senator Dick Durbin, and a similar bill under consideration in New Jersey. These initiatives aim to protect consumers through transaction limits, scam warnings, and mandatory customer service support.

Although Gooden does not sit on any committees directly handling crypto legislation, advocacy group Stand With Crypto has awarded him an “A” rating for his support of the industry. While he previously backed stablecoin oversight under the SEC, he more recently co-sponsored a bill opposing the creation of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC), a stance widely shared in the crypto community.

The push for crypto ATMs in federal buildings comes amid fluctuating market activity. Operators like Bitcoin Depot have reported declining ATM usage despite rising Bitcoin (BTC) prices, highlighting the need for innovative yet cautious government engagement with the crypto space.