As policy debates around Bitcoin have evolved, so has lawmaker interest in understanding how to translate this potential into law. BPI is proud to meet that demand with the launch of our Congressional Fellowship Program — a groundbreaking initiative designed to embed Bitcoin experts directly into the halls of Congress. This program represents a pivotal step toward informed policymaking that fosters innovation rather than stifling it.
The July 30 release of the long-awaited White House report, “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” marked a milestone in the evolution of what is broadly referred to as digital asset policy in the United States.
Starting with a historic executive order by President Trump formally establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve, followed by multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation in Congress focused on stablecoins and market structure, the digital asset ecosystem is now on solid legal and regulatory ground in the United States. But whereas the crypto industry is focused on token launches and DeFi, Bitcoiners have a different mission — changing the money, so we can change the world. With the initial push of broader digital asset policy and legislation behind us, at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), we remain focused on laying the foundation for a revolution in Bitcoin-focused policy in Washington, D.C.
As lawmakers climb the learning curve, the need to provide them with a deep, nuanced understanding of the potential that Bitcoin and its larger ecosystem have will only grow. Founded in 2022, the Bitcoin Policy Institute is a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to researching emerging monetary networks and advocating for sound public policy. Our interdisciplinary team of economists, lawyers, technologists and policy analysts has produced influential reports, such as “The Congressional Guide to Bitcoin,” which demystifies the technology for policymakers.
We’ve hosted the annual Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together industry leaders, regulators and legislators to discuss Bitcoin’s role in America’s future. Now, with the Congressional Fellowship Program, we’re taking our commitment to the next level by placing fellows in Congressional offices to provide real-time expertise on Bitcoin-related legislation.
The need for this program has never been more urgent. Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a surge in Bitcoin-related bills and hearings on Capitol Hill. From discussions on energy consumption and environmental impact to debates over taxation, stablecoins and national security implications, Bitcoin is increasingly at the center of policy conversations.
However, misconceptions abound. Some still view Bitcoin solely as a speculative asset or a tool for illicit activity, ignoring its profound contributions to financial inclusion, censorship resistance and economic resilience. Others overlook the technical realities, leading to proposals that could inadvertently harm innovation or infringe on individual freedoms.
That’s where our Congressional Fellows come in. These individuals will serve as Bitcoin policy experts and drive Bitcoin policy straight from the halls of Congress. They will serve one-year terms in bipartisan congressional offices, advising on legislation, preparing briefings, and facilitating dialogues between stakeholders. Fellows will undergo orientation training at BPI, covering congressional procedures, ethics and Bitcoin fundamentals. Once placed, they will work full-time as nonpartisan staff, focusing on issues such as:
- National Security and Geopolitics: Exploring Bitcoin’s potential in countering authoritarian control over money and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in global finance.
- Energy and Sustainability: Educating on Bitcoin mining’s role in grid stabilization and renewable energy integration, countering myths about its environmental footprint.
- Financial Regulation: Analyzing proposals for digital asset frameworks, ensuring they promote innovation while protecting consumers.
- Taxation and Compliance: Advising on fair tax policies that don’t unduly burden Bitcoin holders or stifle adoption.
By embedding these experts in Congress, we aim to elevate the Bitcoin-related policy beyond the traditional finance-only focus. Imagine a world where lawmakers understand proof-of-work consensus not as an energy hog, but as a secure mechanism underpinning a decentralized network. Or where policies recognize Bitcoin’s ability to empower underserved communities — from remittances in developing nations to unbanked populations here at home.
Eligibility for the fellowship is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated expertise in Bitcoin or related fields. Applicants should have at least three years of professional experience, strong communication skills and a commitment to nonpartisan service. The selection committee, comprising BPI leadership and external advisors, will prioritize candidates who can translate technical jargon into actionable policy insights.
As Bitcoin enters its second decade, its success hinges not just on code and markets, but on policy. By equipping Congress with the knowledge to navigate this new frontier, the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s Congressional Fellowship Program paves the way for a future where Bitcoin empowers all Americans. Let’s seize this opportunity to build a regulatory environment that honors innovation, protects freedoms, and secures prosperity for generations to come.
We invite Bitcoin enthusiasts, policy wonks and aspiring public servants to apply via our website at www.btcfellowship.org.
Ken Egan is the director of government affairs at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. This is an Opinion piece; views stated are not necessarily those of Bitcoin Magazine or BTC Inc.
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