The House Financial Services Committee has voted to approve a bill that would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the US. The bill, titled the “Keep Big Tech Out of Finance Act”, was introduced by Republican Representative Patrick McHenry and co-sponsored by 14 other Republicans. The bill aims to prevent the Fed from creating a digital dollar that could compete with or replace the existing fiat currency system.
CBDC stands for central bank digital currency, a form of money that is issued and regulated by a central authority, such as the Federal Reserve. CBDC is different from traditional fiat currency, which is physical cash or coins, and from cryptocurrencies, which are decentralized and operate on a peer-to-peer network.
The bill also seeks to prevent large technology companies, such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon, from offering financial services or issuing digital assets that could function as money. The bill defines a large technology company as one that has an annual global revenue of at least $25 billion and offers an online platform service with at least 50 million monthly active users in the US.
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The bill’s supporters argue that a CBDC would pose a threat to the privacy and security of Americans, as well as undermine the stability and sovereignty of the US dollar. They also claim that a CBDC would give the Fed too much power and discretion over monetary policy, and that it would enable the government to track and control every transaction made by citizens.
One of the main benefits of CBDC is that it can enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of the payment system. CBDC can reduce transaction costs, increase speed and security, and enable access to digital payments for the unbanked or underbanked population. CBDC can also foster innovation and competition in the financial sector, as well as provide new tools for monetary policy and financial stability.
Another benefit of CBDC is that it can strengthen the international role of the US dollar. CBDC can facilitate cross-border payments and remittances, reduce dependence on foreign currencies and intermediaries, and increase the attractiveness of the dollar as a reserve currency. CBDC can also enhance the US leadership and influence in the global financial system, as well as promote the adoption of high standards and best practices for digital finance.
However, CBDC also poses some challenges and risks that need to be carefully addressed. CBDC can have implications for the banking system, such as affecting the profitability and intermediation function of commercial banks. CBDC can also raise legal, regulatory, and operational issues, such as ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and consumer protection laws, protecting data privacy and cybersecurity, and managing technical glitches and cyberattacks. Moreover, CBDC can have geopolitical implications, such as creating tensions with other countries that may perceive CBDC as a threat or a challenge to their sovereignty or interests.
The bill’s opponents, mainly Democrats, contend that a CBDC would offer many benefits to the US economy and society, such as increasing financial inclusion, reducing transaction costs, enhancing efficiency and innovation, and strengthening the competitiveness of the US in the global digital economy. They also assert that a CBDC would not necessarily replace cash or bank deposits, but rather complement them as an alternative form of money.
The bill was passed by a narrow margin of 26-25, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against. The bill will now move to the House floor for a full vote, where it is expected to face strong resistance from the Democratic majority. If the bill passes the House, it will still need to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President before becoming law.
Therefore, the design and implementation of CBDC require a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves various stakeholders, such as policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology providers, academics, and the public. The US should also coordinate with other countries and international organizations to ensure consistency and interoperability of CBDC standards and frameworks. By doing so, the US can harness the potential benefits of CBDC while mitigating the possible drawbacks.