The bill would require the Treasury Department to report to Congress on virtual currencies and their use globally, including how other countries are using and mining cryptocurrencies, and how cryptocurrency mining operations are impacting supply chains, including for critical technologies such as semiconductors.

The DHS is seeking additional technology solutions to prevent forgery and counterfeiting of certificates and licenses, and issued a new call for proposals.

"DLT and Blockchain solutions can improve the delivery of government services to citizens by providing greater visibility into business operations, enhancing the audit and transparency of public service operations, and automating paper-based processes," the DHS said.

To enable DHS components to issue and verify identifiers and credentials, this solicitation is seeking start-up companies with solutions that use global, interoperable standards for decentralized identifiers and resilient registries. The overall goal is to enhance security while employing privacy respecting mechanisms that implement standards-based, multi-platform interoperability.

Applicants are expected to use one or more of following DHS-specific scenarios to frame their submissions:

• Alternative Identifier to the Social Security Number (PRIV).
• Food Supply Chain Safety and Visibility (CBP).
• Supply Chain Traceability of Natural Gas Imports (CBP).
• Supply Chain Traceability of Direct-to-Consumer E-Commerce Shipments (CBP).
• Privacy Respecting Essential Work and/or Task License (USCIS).

The deadline for applications is 10 July 2020.

The letter said:

"We thus strongly encourage the Treasury Department to utilize private sector innovations such as blockchain and DLT to support the necessary functions of government to distribute and track relief programs and direct that all guidance support the use of technology to facilitate delivery of CARES Act benefits. Such steps will ensure both that America retains its technological advantage and that relief is delivered quickly to the small businesses and individuals who need it most."