Republican Leader of U.S House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy has endorsed the use of blockchain technology in government to bolster the institution’s efficiency and transparency. McCarthy was addressing a select committee on March 12th when he made suggestions to modernize Congress.

He cited the fact that blockchain technology is revolutionising security within the financial sector and that the US government should consider it in order to aid with the transformation of making legislative processes more transparent.

McCarthy asked the committee:

“Why would we wait around and why wouldn’t we institute blockchain on our own?”

He added:

“As technology continues to change our life, let’s make sure Congress has the same ability to do it … to make this place more effective, more efficient, and most importantly more accountable.”

McCarthy went on to cite past examples of how embracing innovative technologies by passing new bills has helped improve government processes. The legislations he mentioned included Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses Act, the deployment of a bug program for Homeland Security Strengthening and Enhancing Cyber-capabilities by Utilizing Risk Exposure Technology Act, as well as the Tested Ability to Leverage Exceptional National Talent Act.

McCarthy concluded by stating:

“What I’m looking for is building greater confidence in the institution that we have – utilising the 21st-century technology to make us more customer friendly but at the same time give us greater information that can hold us accountable in this process.”

This move by McCarthy is not the first time he has pushed for the implementation of blockchain technology in government. Back in July 2018, he along with a group of US lawmakers proposed the development of a blockchain pilot which could aid in the effort of combatting infectious fungal diseases.

If McCarthy’s argument for blockchain in government is considered and implemented this could be a great push in the direction of mainstream adoption of the technology in the United States of America, all we can do now is wait and see what the outcome of his proposal will be.