Texas Republican lawmakers have proposed installing cryptocurrency ATMs in US federal buildings. Rep. Lance Gooden wrote a May 1 letter to Stephen Ehikian, now acting manager of the General Services Agency (GSA), news reports say.
Trump’s allies frame proposals as “educational resources”
Gooden, one of the president’s famous Republican allies, recommends in his letter that installing crypto ATMs in government buildings will be a “educational resource” for the public.
He requested that the GSA begin investigating the guidelines and regulations necessary to install such machines on federally owned properties nationwide.
Public documents filed in the House of Representatives show that Gooden has not declared a cryptocurrency investment or ATM company since he was elected in 2019. As of 2025, no financial disclosures of public records available to Texas representatives have been reported.
Gooden's letter recommending crypto ATMs to GSA. Source: Rep. Lance Gooden
Authorization questions not answered
The GSA regulates and manages government-owned property. The website says it can provide space for federal credit union ATMs, but it is unclear whether Ehikian can extend these regulations to digital asset ATMs offered by private companies.
Reports say Ehikian, sworn by US President Donald Trump, may not have an order to introduce these types of ATMs without Congress’ consent. The report also reveals that finances for such efforts could require Congressional actions.
President’s crypto connection raises doubts
Meanwhile, Trump has extensive involvement with digital coins and asset companies across multiple streets. These range from his individual investments, his presidential campaign accounts, family-backed businesses, and Trump meme coins.
Trump reportedly held a dinner in Washington, DC in April for the major owner of his memecoin. This link raises questions about the potential policy impacts on the cryptocurrency infrastructure of government buildings.
The Senate considers stricter crypto ATM regulations
Gooden’s bill comes as Senators are considering bills that will use digital currency ATMs to combat fraud. Last February, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with the goal of establishing a “common-sense guardrail” against fraud that hurt many older Americans.
This timing provides a subtle contrast between Gooden’s initiative to expand access to cryptographic technology and Durbin’s driving force seeking more protection from potential abuse of the same system.
This brings the discussion to the forefront of how we can balance innovation and consumer protection in the cryptocurrency world.
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