### Congressman Fails to Meet Trade Reporting Deadline, Adding to Crypto-Disclosure Issues

In a recent disclosure that has stirred scrutiny among lawmakers, Republican Texas Representative Brandon Gill revealed his Bitcoin (BTC) trades past the statutory deadline. According to the filing, the pro-crypto congressman purchased up to $500,000 worth of BTC in January and February. This late disclosure breaches the 45-day reporting window stipulated by the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act), as highlighted by a report from Open Secrets.

Despite the delay in earlier trades, Gill made additional BTC purchases in May, including one between $100,000 and $250,000 and another ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. These trades were reported within the required 45-day period. However, Gill's Q1 transactions have particularly drawn attention and have sparked scrutiny among his fellow lawmakers, particularly those with a keen interest in cryptocurrency regulations.

Gill is not alone in missing the STOCK Act’s disclosure deadlines. Open Secrets revealed that as of 2024, over 62 representatives violated the law by failing to timely disclose their trades in stocks and digital assets. However, exposure to cryptocurrencies among U.S. lawmakers remains relatively low. Current data from Bitcoin Politicians shows that only 19 lawmakers, mostly Republicans, possess Bitcoin or related crypto assets.

A January 2025 report by Reuters further sheds light on crypto holdings among U.S. political leaders. Vice President J.D. Vance, one of the 13 members with disclosed crypto holdings, reportedly owns $250,000 to $500,000 worth of BTC. However, Senator Dave McCormick, previously a hedge fund manager, leads the crypto-owning policymakers with a $5 million investment in BTC, likely held through a Bitwise ETF.

Excluding McCormick's significant holdings, American political leaders collectively own less than $3 million in BTC as of January 2025. This modest exposure is in stark contrast to the pro-crypto stance commonly observed among many Republican lawmakers. Vice President Vance has repeatedly advocated for Bitcoin as a hedge against poor governance, policy missteps, and inflation, emphasizing its role as a "digital store of value" in today's modern digital age. He acknowledged the risks involved but underscored the importance of allowing BTC and blockchain technologies to thrive and evolve based on market dynamics.