The U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee just passed two pieces of legislation to push for a deeper look at blockchain technology in government, clearing the way for a vote in the House of Representatives. In an online debate moderated by Digital Chamber of Commerce founder Perianne Boring on Sept. 9, Florida Ninth District Democratic Rep. Darren Soto announced that after “nearly two years of lobbying,” the Energy and Commerce Committee had passed the Digital Taxonomy Act. In addition, the committee approved the American COMPETE Act. Both bills will now move to the main floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote. US lawmakers introduce bill for detailed study of blockchain in commerce The American COMPETE Act would require the Department of Commerce to review this study and report to Congress on the state of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain technology and related new industries. “It’s a first step,” Soto said, “We definitely want to get into more substantive legislation. But for now, earmarks and getting the first reports done by the Department of Commerce, the FTC, the DoD and others are going to acclimate Congress because a lot of people don’t understand the technology.” U.S. congressmen ask IRS to look into taxing ‘staking’ rewards Soto has often expressed concern that the U.S. government’s lack of understanding of the emerging technology is preventing the country from building a competitive cryptocurrency sector. However, the congressman also cited some legislative victories. In August,the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed amending its organic produce rules to include the implementation of blockchain technology to track its supply chain. Soto also joined several other members of Congress in calling on the IRS to waive the reward requirement for blockchain Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain platforms