Spotlight Series Ep. 2: Rep. Nick Begich

Spotlight Series Ep. 2: Rep. Nick Begich

Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) reached Congress by an unusual route: founding software companies and holding Bitcoin since 2013. BPI's David Zell sat down with him at PubKey to talk about how a builder's instincts shape the way he legislates, his bill to give the U.S. a strategic Bitcoin reserve, and the policy questions AI is raising faster than Washington can answer them. The conversation runs from Begich's 440 coins on Mt. Gox, to the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA), the ~93-year cycle of global reserve currencies, the "untethering" of money from scarcity, and why he believes AI's hardest problem is the "disintermediation of purpose" rather than unemployment. They close on UBI, Alaska's Permanent Fund as a model of citizen ownership, and what's next for the budget and healthcare. Guest: Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) Host: David Zell, Bitcoin Policy Institute Recorded at PubKey CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro: A Founder Comes to Congress 1:21 From Baylor to Ford to Building a Software Company 5:17 Finding Bitcoin in 2013 & Surviving Mt. Gox 6:44 The Founder's Mindset vs. the Zero-Sum Worldview 13:56 ARMA: The Case for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve 19:25 The "Untethering Event": Scarcity, Inflation & the Debt Spiral 25:58 AI's Promise, Peril & the "Disintermediation of Purpose" 31:59 Open-Source AI, China & Catastrophic Misuse Risk 39:14 Drawing the Regulatory Line & the "Bitcoin of AI" 42:25 UBI vs. Alaska's Permanent Fund: "Universal Basic Investment" 49:43 What's Next: The Budget, Healthcare & Quantum #Bitcoin #BitcoinPolicy #ARMA #NickBegich #AIPolicy #DigitalAssets #StrategicBitcoinReserve #BPI #Crypto #MonetaryPolicy

Bitcoin Policy Hour: Crypto-Redollarization: Gold, Tether & Bitcoin Shaping the New Monetary Order

Why did Tether launch a U.S. stablecoin now? Why does Coinbase have so much influence in Congress? And what’s really behind the SEC–CFTC harmonization push? Bitcoin Policy Hour breaks down the biggest regulatory stories shaping Bitcoin’s future plus a deep look at the debasement trade driving gold, silver, and potentially bitcoin higher.🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEJJNkxIcXo2c0xzSExPQzVkMTE3eTMxVlIxd3xBQ3Jtc0trU2NsUmM2TlNvR3htNU1UZnlvNUZOUGNkdUc3S0pjejVUQjdjM0F1X0VUZl9hV1dhck9uNHh3clZJdE8tWDR6LUV5LWotTnpabUNvR1hnUHRYMmcySUlRLTJSc1ZERFlIdElpdDR3d3NmbXY3R1Nobw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fzackbshapiro&v=iYpfrB9UW0Y]🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFo3SXVDWlJ1Tk9TRlVKaThwMFZMal9YYW1QQXxBQ3Jtc0ttR1YxNWdWRkp3V3NjeXNiM3Znb0tFQmlPN0FiOG9IbTJCNVRKRjNnUmZiS1RYWUMyc1huWnNYWVJub1Uzb3REUGJGRHFHNVNvZ0x3Mjkzd2RjSlZuRVRfQURENFA4YzJ1VlB0akFNRVc1V1dEUDZ5MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fzackcohen_&v=iYpfrB9UW0Y]🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2ZFQmpfaDJjN2p4dHF6RjRLR0Z2dlJtN293Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuUUgycmNKZ3JPUi13cTkzSGFrZ0FWeEpCdTY0NThxTUZpREE2eHRYSDhpdlMwcmdoNk9NaENGNll2R3hTNnlqNmVTZTdQY2ptZl9NcVplSlhjZ1VVWERkenV3alJ6WHJNTEFsRFEzQTFJZmhDWUhucw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FBayman11771&v=iYpfrB9UW0Y]🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU9JMDR4TzdVZmFoSnFvc3lUcnhoSEMzeEhUUXxBQ3Jtc0tsRldNdDl2eHQwSDBqODBSc3NTTmhOUnh1Z3Vlc2ZrYjNVMndFQlRqRFowMDBJdF9sOGpBTV9UaGw0UWJtemlLV0J5SVcwUEplWHVBUGpPMktGUG1jOWFfbUFBTk4zak5qdmJtT2dLUGdSbUdEVWkxbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.btcpolicy.org%2F&v=iYpfrB9UW0Y]Chapters: 03:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=195s] – Tether’s GENIUS-Compliant U.S. Stablecoin Explained 07:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=450s] – Is Tether’s U.S. Launch a Political Hedge? 11:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=705s] – Stablecoins, Circle, and Global Liquidity 15:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=930s] – SEC–CFTC Harmonization and Regulatory Power 20:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=1210s] – Market Structure, BRCA, and Developer Protections 26:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=1560s] – Section 1960 and the National Security Debate 33:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=2000s] – Why Coinbase Has So Much Influence in Congress 41:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=2460s] – Stablecoin Yield, Banks, and Political Fatigue 47:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYpfrB9UW0Y&t=2820s] – Gold, Silver, Debasement, and Bitcoin’s Moment

Bitcoin Policy Hour: The Fight Over Stablecoins & Crypto Market Structure

Why are banks fighting stablecoin yield and why does it matter for Bitcoin? Zack Shapiro, Ken Egan, and Zack Cohen, break down the political battle unfolding in the U.S. Senate and why Coinbase’s opposition could derail market structure reform in the latest Senate bill. From developer protections to self-custody rights, this episode explores what’s at stake for the future of Bitcoin in the United States. 🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3hPRXNIa09BcHkyajF3c015N09LZGRYMTY3UXxBQ3Jtc0trMDdkZUxNWFBITnZxQTNPTlFFLUNFOEJNc2ZhTFA3dzJDdzk3Z3VmbXdXNm1hckszT1BkRld4M05tVGZ6eXlwZXBNbjZjX2dYZ0JVSWxSVXpTbjQzczRBeEViYUlvZ01DZzdicHVUNUFXejVCSExWWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fzackbshapiro&v=rsBh_KsvVF8] 🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTJNWHE5bzcybVB1WTdHaVBVUmRhV2dvUk1TZ3xBQ3Jtc0tub1Vzb0VKTGJRUWlRRm9RTGMzdFVuczdHSUI3dEpWbGpxVlBqUEx6NmJjWUFQZXl5OWVCa0s4VXViSVpnNUZSOWRFY2tYRk9TazhUYzZxeTBlWmxDeVBpM3diNWxhcGNDUmp6dGlpT09TU2IwcHFEUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fzackcohen_&v=rsBh_KsvVF8] 🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDV4NUxwQWJveVNCNEF2VVhvT2NRN2VmMmd5QXxBQ3Jtc0trR1MwVjdWSkFuaWxpdllKbjdXUF9UVTlMckJoc1A1QmpoVUg4ZjU3a1ZzbXJRWkZxX0I1MW15dGszY0VxQkU2RGY1LUN5aUx3WVFDT2xFY1N5MTNoSXlKbUZKVkIxQmNLSWd1bUFNOXI5cUhRcDFMRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FBayman11771&v=rsBh_KsvVF8] 🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVaSEp2UDUxa2ZaVEthM3hZd2FJNXpfbTY5d3xBQ3Jtc0tucVltTS1uSGJxSE9XWGdZbm9xQ2RDUUVlXzROTGI0ZzBnVWZpdm85eTlOaUN0TnNMY0FSbEp3UEFlQ1YzcmZqanNHejJ5X3NXbjRNaWVEZ1NIQXVDcmdyck5mbTlBVWlab0JXYU1Tc3VqSXNXWTFfcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.btcpolicy.org%2F&v=rsBh_KsvVF8] Chapters: 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2] – Why U.S. Payments Lag Behind the World 05:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=305s] – What the Market Structure Bill Is Trying to Do 10:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=610s] – Stablecoin Yield and Coinbase’s Breaking Point 15:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=920s] – Banking Lobby Power and Protectionism 20:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=1215s] – Developer Protections and Self-Custody Explained 25:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=1500s] – Why No Bill Could Be Worse Than a Bad Bill 30:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=1800s] – DOJ, Samurai Wallet, and the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve 35:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=2130s] – De Minimis Tax Exemptions and Network Fees 40:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=2445s] – Market Structure vs Crypto Tax Legislation 46:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=2790s] – Iran, Geopolitics, and Bitcoin’s Policy Role 51:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBh_KsvVF8&list=PLe0djdakvnFYsVHA9JYgwj9bZ5wPCXlK6&index=2&t=3090s] – What Happens Next for U.S. Bitcoin Regulation

Congressman Warren Davidson Unveils the “Bitcoin for America Act” | Spotlight Series #1

In this exclusive interview, Congressman Warren Davidson announces the introduction of the Bitcoin for America Act, legislation that could redefine how the United States adopts Bitcoin and how Americans fulfill their tax obligations.Hosted by Conner Brown, Head of Strategy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), this premiere episode of the BPI Spotlight Series explores:• Codifying the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve• Allowing Americans to pay federal taxes in Bitcoin• Eliminating capital gains taxes when Bitcoin is used for tax payments• Strengthening national security and economic resilience through sound money• Preserving financial privacy in a digital era• Encouraging grassroots adoption and opt-in contributions to a national Bitcoin reserve• Reestablishing the United States as the global leader in Bitcoin innovationWhy it matters:The United States faces unprecedented debt pressures and growing competition over the future of money. Davidson argues that Bitcoin provides a durable path toward financial stability, technological leadership, and renewed economic freedom for the American people.Key topics covered:• Bitcoin tax reform and de minimis payment exemptions• National competitiveness in the digital asset economy• Inflation, fiscal policy, and sovereign savings strategy• CBDC risks and the importance of privacy-preserving money• Gen Z financial opportunity and long-term savingsFor viewers interested in Bitcoin policy, economic strategy, and America’s financial future, this discussion offers essential insight into how forward-looking legislation could shape the decades ahead.Contact your elected representatives and encourage support for the Bitcoin for America Act.Subscribe for more policy-focused interviews and expert research from the Bitcoin Policy Institute.

Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 15: Washington's Crypto Power Grab Explained

In episode 15 of The Bitcoin Policy Hour, Washington is tightening its grip on crypto. Zack Cohen, Zack Shapiro, and Ken Egan of the Bitcoin Policy Institute are breaking down what that really means for your wallet and your freedom to build. From the fallout over the leaked DeFi regulation memo to renewed fights on Capitol Hill over self-custody and market structure, this week’s discussion dives into how power, politics, and innovation are colliding in D.C.From President Trump's pardon of former Binance CEO CZ to how quantum computing breakthroughs could challenge Bitcoin’s security to how the conflict between stablecoin's and traditional banking might change the future of money -- the BPI team analyze the shifting political economy of Bitcoin. Follow the link below to help save our wallets! Demand that congress support the BRCA amendments to the CLARITY Act. Protect your right to transact freely and keep innovation in America. https://saveourwallets.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa180eVQtT29jUzdjdXJJZjh1QWwyLWNJbXRkd3xBQ3Jtc0tsOTBuYjlpUm1FUXloOGZXdW1VMlFyRVF6QUYyakdwQ2tQV3ItUjJZdzBfa3ZUbXNuUHVHQWlXaGpUN2lNNExYdzdmWnBCVnBPTVhfWlJiUmxLQ3I4X3lxVlVYWU50czdNMUpONXdNeWtjQlF6ZFJMbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsaveourwallets.org%2F&v=XnzX8ZQckOI]🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVc4czk0bnUyMkE3QjN2eHg0U2tiRlFWV1Ztd3xBQ3Jtc0ttZnhlSjYxV0FFR01vYkNzdE14LWM2SFFXUTBzdlc5MC1RamZtUWkzamhZR1hzZVZTemRQTDdwQk5WSTZLVHE4MDNRT1l6d1c5YndJOGFaMU1nRTlfdFVVRXBiNHRjWUh3MGhqSnVWRkVHaklEQTctRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fzackbshapiro&v=XnzX8ZQckOI]🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmR0UC11U0l0TmF3RHBCTHI2cUM4TEhKM292QXxBQ3Jtc0tsdlAxWGtjbC1NTWs0WkVDbU1fY3JJem56c0gwMjd3SzB5OE5mX3VBNW4ySUpyYTU0dHpfQ01qcVNfcV9VWlhRZklfUEpRM2d0NVA2UzFZd3RucUk3cURUeFF4ZUF5eElYZE1JSndYYUVSV1VUVDlwVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fzackcohen_&v=XnzX8ZQckOI]🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1iRE9GTWVfNW5lVE01eXRSVzJva2dvaFF0d3xBQ3Jtc0tuMUdVUW9tTEVoRTYtY3EwOTNTVktZSVRMLWdJWVV1RWJicUpOd3NqVDZITENvbmZhYW1LTkZmd1JJMnBnU2lCbDkwVU5henJOU1dibzVSeXdZbGI2OFhIR0ZpdnBELVBmckJsckp3bjlENVBWQnotRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FBayman11771&v=XnzX8ZQckOI]🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGZoaV9yQ21uUmRGZGhVdlhvU25JWF9fMjRqZ3xBQ3Jtc0trTVJTdTRYYnctZUk3QW9ZSm41RFpFUXFrYmQ4OGNfLTUzVXZmLVdwUmJrUjR4OXdZSXFBN25hbjJYcURFVGFlb0RwdVlrZ3BqYURDajlwdXNsZVZJYkgyM19qeDUyTlBBbnJFcmRVbEFzS2NwdllrYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.btcpolicy.org%2F&v=XnzX8ZQckOI]Chapters: 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI] – Quantum & Satoshi’s Coins00:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=31s] – Welcome to Bitcoin Policy Hour01:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=80s] – DeFi Leak Derails D.C. Negotiations 04:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=255s] – Capitol Hill Fallout: Self-Custody, Code, and Crypto Regulation13:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=801s] – Fed ‘Skinny Accounts’: Stablecoin Access to Central Banking27:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=1667s] – Narrow Banking Debate: Could Stablecoins Replace Banks?33:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=1992s] – Cuomo’s Crypto Play & New York’s BitLicense Experiment39:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=2388s] – Trump Pardons CZ: Political Conflicts and Binance’s Global Reach46:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=2760s] – Quantum Computing, National Security & Bitcoin Encryption Risks53:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzX8ZQckOI&t=3236s] – Closing Thoughts: Bitcoin Policy Institute Updates & Next Week’s Outlook