US House Passes Bill to Ban Government Creation of CBDCs, Allows Adoption of Stablecoins—Could Ripple’s RLUSD Be Utilized?

• The US House has passed a bill to prohibit the creation of a government Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), favoring the adoption of stablecoins on public networks.
• Ripple Labs Inc. has filed a trademark for “RLUSD”, suggesting the launch of a new stablecoin which may align with recent legislative developments.

The US House recently voted on the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, introduced by Congressman Tom Emmer. This bill, identified under Union Calendar No. 409, seeks to amend the Federal Reserve Act to restrict the Federal Reserve’s ability to offer products directly to individuals and to prevent the use of a CBDC for monetary policy.

Emmer highlighted that the bill aims to halt the potential issuance of a financial surveillance tool which could drastically impact American citizens. Moreover, the bill stipulates that any CBDC pilot programs must receive Congressional approval before initiation, emphasizing a preventative stance against government surveillance via digital currencies.

Public Response and Industry Implications

Following the bill’s approval, Collin Browns, a notable community figure, shared his insights through a tweet, igniting discussions about the potential adoption of Ripple’s upcoming stablecoin “RLUSD”. This move by Ripple to introduce a stablecoin aligns closely with the government’s growing interest in utilizing such digital currencies, fostering a receptive environment for Ripple’s new financial product on the public XRP ledger. You can view Browns’ tweet here.

🚨 BREAKING: Congress approves “H.R.5403” CBDC Anti-Surveillance Act, banning US Govt from creating a CBDC but allowing adoption of stablecoins on public networks. #Ripple is set to launch a new stablecoin on #XRP-LEDGER this year!

Will ‘RLUSD’ be used from the US goverment?… pic.twitter.com/WbDyOar0TX

— Collin Brown (@CollinBrownXRP) May 23, 2024

Could Ripple’s RLUSD Be Utilized?

In line with a recent report by CNF on Ripple Files for RLUSD Trademark as XRP Shows Bullish Signs, Ripple Labs Inc.’s trademark application for “RLUSD,” filed on May 7, 2024, under serial number 98537677, marks a crucial step forward. Handled by attorney Olivia Maria Baratta from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, this application encompasses a wide range of financial services, such as the management and transfer of digital currencies.

With stablecoins becoming increasingly prominent within governmental financial strategies, Ripple’s early positioning could significantly impact the stablecoin market, projected to approach a $3 trillion valuation. This strategic foresight positions “RLUSD” as a feasible option for both government and private sector transactions, aligning well with current legislative trends and market demands.

At the time of writing, Ripple (XRP) trades at $0.5305, having surged by 0.58% in the past day and 3.09% in the past week. This positive market movement underscores the growing investor confidence in Ripple’s strategic initiatives and market potential.