United States Senator Cynthia Lummis has taken to Twitter to emphasize the significance of a recent court ruling by Judge Analisa Torres, which declared that Ripple’s XRP (XRP) token should not be considered a security when sold on digital asset exchanges. Lummis highlighted that the ruling underscores the urgent need for Congress to establish a comprehensive and unambiguous regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.
In her statement, Lummis stressed the importance of the court ruling and its impact on cryptocurrency regulation. She stated that the verdict reinforces the immediate requirement for Congress to provide a thorough crypto framework that prioritizes the safeguarding of consumers.
The Wyoming senator, who is a longstanding advocate of Bitcoin (BTC), highlighted the importance of a transparent cryptocurrency framework that would protect investors and foster innovation within the cryptocurrency industry.
Additionally, Lummis highlighted the significance of maintaining the Howey test — the legal standard used to assess whether an investment qualifies as a security. She specifically referenced the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, known as the Lummis-Gillibrand bill, a legislative initiative co-introduced by herself and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
My statement in response to the Southern District of New York’s ruling in Securities and Exchange Commission v Ripple Labs, Inc. pic.twitter.com/bmIxR0AmhT
The purpose of the bill is to provide clarity and establish regulatory guidelines for digital assets, aligning them with the interpretation of the Howey test.
Lummis’s plea for congressional action holds significant merit, particularly considering the extensive implications of the legal dispute between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The outcome of this case could establish a precedent that shapes the regulatory landscape for digital assets within the United States.
The absence of well-defined guidelines leaves entrepreneurs and investors in a state of uncertainty, impeding innovation and economic expansion.
With the ruling partially in favor of Ripple, it remains uncertain how Congress will address Lummis’s appeal for regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency market. Nonetheless, her endeavors indicate a growing acknowledgment among legislators that the crypto industry necessitates a progressive regulatory strategy to unleash its complete potential.
Lucy Powell has accused Bridget Phillipson’s team of “throwing mud” and briefing against her in the Labour deputy leadership race in a special episode of Sky’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast.
With just days to go until the race is decided, Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby spoke to the two leadership rivals about allegations of leaks, questions of party unity and their political vision.
Ms Powell told Electoral Dysfunction that through the course of the contest, she had “never leaked or briefed”.
But she said of negative stories about her in the media: “I think some of these things have also come from my opponent’s team as well. And I think they need calling out.
“We are two strong women standing in this contest. We’ve both got different things to bring to the job. I’m not going to get into the business of smearing and briefing against Bridget.
“Having us airing our dirty washing, throwing mud – both in this campaign or indeed after this if I get elected as deputy leader – that is not the game that I’m in.”
Ms Powell was responding to a “Labour source” who told the New Statesman last week:“Lucy was sacked from cabinet because she couldn’t be trusted not to brief or leak.”
Ms Powell said she had spoken directly to Ms Phillipson about allegations of briefings “a little bit”.
Image: Bridget Phillipson (l) and Lucy Powell (r) spoke to Sky News’ Beth Rigby in a special Electoral Dysfunction double-header. Pics: Reuters
Phillipson denies leaks
But asked separately if her team had briefed against Ms Powell, Ms Phillipson told Rigby: “Not to my knowledge.”
And Ms Phillipson said she had not spoken “directly” to her opponent about the claims of negative briefings, despite Ms Powell saying the pair had talked about it.
“I don’t know if there’s been any discussion between the teams,” she added.
On the race itself, the education secretary said it would be “destabilising” if Ms Powell is elected, as she is no longer in the cabinet.
“I think there is a risk that comes of airing too much disagreement in public at a time when we need to focus on taking the fight to our opponents.
“I know Lucy would reject that, but I think that is for me a key choice that members are facing.”
She added: “It’s about the principle of having that rule outside of government that risks being the problem. I think I’ll be able to get more done in government.”
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But Ms Powell, who was recently sacked by Sir Keir Starmer as leader of the Commons, said she could “provide a stronger, more independent voice”.
“The party is withering on the vine at the same time, and people have got big jobs in government to do.
“Politics is moving really, really fast. Government is very, very slow. And I think having a full-time political deputy leader right now is the political injection we need.”
The result of the contest will be announced on Saturday 25 October.
The deputy leader has the potential to be a powerful and influential figure as the link between members and the parliamentary Labour Party, and will have a key role in election campaigns. They can’t be sacked by Sir Keir as they have their own mandate.
The contest was triggered by the resignation of Angela Rayner following a row over her tax affairs. She was also the deputy prime minister but this position was filled by David Lammy in a wider cabinet reshuffle.
HMRC sent nearly 65,000 warning letters to crypto investors last year, more than double the previous year, as the UK steps up efforts to trace undeclared capital gains.