According to ShibDaily, U.S. lawmakers are increasingly advocating for the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) as a more secure and regulated alternative to cryptocurrencies. During a recent press conference held by House Democrats, several lawmakers criticized cryptocurrencies, labeling them as risky and often associated with illegal activities. Representative Stephen Lynch argued that cryptocurrencies currently lack legitimate use cases, citing their involvement in ransomware attacks affecting U.S. businesses. He described the cryptocurrency industry as a "scam" that poses a threat to a well-regulated financial system.
Representative Maxine Waters also voiced her concerns, criticizing proposed legislation that aims to restrict the development of a U.S. CBDC. She referred to the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which seeks to block the issuance of a government-backed digital dollar, as the "anti-innovation act." Waters warned that both the anti-CBDC measure and the GENIUS stablecoin bill could jeopardize national security. The CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act narrowly passed through the House Financial Services Committee in April with a 27–22 vote. Opponents of central bank digital currencies have raised concerns about their potential impact on financial stability and personal privacy, warning that a government-issued digital dollar could enhance surveillance capabilities and limit consumer freedom.
As U.S. lawmakers continue to question the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies and push for a centrally managed digital dollar, decentralized communities like Shiba Inu offer a contrasting perspective. While policymakers emphasize the need for control and oversight, projects like Shibarium advocate for transparency, autonomy, and community-led growth. The Shiba Inu ecosystem highlights a fundamental disagreement over who should shape the future of digital finance. While central bank digital currencies could centralize power within government institutions, Shibarium promotes a permissionless framework where users, rather than bureaucracies, determine the direction. For SHIB holders, the debate extends beyond crypto regulation to defending an open, accessible, and decentralized model for Web3 participation. Amid rising calls for surveillance-oriented financial tools, Shiba Inu's movement underscores the belief that digital value should be collectively shaped, not dictated from above.