Republicans Have a Surveillance Problem, Says Rep. Vargas

Representative Juan Vargas (D‑CA) pointed out a harsh reality during a congressional hearing: Republicans have a surveillance problem. 

Financial Surveillance Is Expanding Before Our Eyes

Financial surveillance is getting worse every day. Although many legislative expansions have not passed, the wheel keeps turning. Inflation, geographic targeting orders (GTOs), and executive orders have greatly expanded the Bank Secrecy Act.

Rep. Davidson Calls Bank Secrecy Act “Bloated,” Warns of CBDCs

Representative Warren Davidson didn’t pull any punches when describing the Bank Secrecy Act.

Bank Secrecy Act Testimony: Thunder and Lightning

Following my testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services, I want to share what I said during my opening remarks. For my full written testimony, see here. 

What Congress Asked Me About the Bank Secrecy Act

Testifying before Congress is never an easy matter. Time is limited, and tempers flare. Yet, during my testimony on the Bank Secrecy Act, I was asked some great questions by members of the House Financial Services Committee. I’ve copied my favorite ones below with light editing for brevity.

Banks Are Not Immigration Enforcement, Mr. President

America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, but President Trump has forgotten the Constitution.

What Spirit Airlines' End Signals for Financial Services

Considering that the Trump administration has also been flirting with price controls and playing politics with several potential mergers, it would be wise to consider Spirit’s experience as a cautionary tale.

What Is the Bank Secrecy Act?

Financial privacy has largely disappeared under the Bank Secrecy Act. Worse yet, most Americans have no idea this system exists.

How the State Keeps Watch on Your Wallet

European Central Bank Denies Digital Euro Public Records Request

Bitcoin Taxes Make No Sense

The only thing worse than getting robbed would be having the robber demand endless forms about the money they are taking from you. Taxes are no different. Congress should simplify the tax code so the average American can do what’s required with ease. Doing so would go a long way toward easing Americ

Leave MrBeast Alone, Senator Warren!

Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson is the latest target in Senator Elizabeth Warren’s (D‑MA) crosshairs.

Why I’m Suing the Government

Given how the rise of CBDCs has increasingly become a public concern, the American people deserve to know what the DOJ and the White House think needs to be done to create a CBDC in the United States.

CBDCs Can’t Give You Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

If this is the best that officials can come up with, CBDCs should be rejected.

Digital Euro Is for Sanctions Evasion

The digital euro is for sanctions evasion, the European Central Bank says.

Market Structure Brings Market Surveillance

If you don’t like financial surveillance, Secretary Bessent says you should get out of the country.

Rep. Lynch is Wrong on the Bank Secrecy Act

The Massachusetts Congressman claims the BSA is “highly useful” to combat terrorism. The data says otherwise.

A Sceptic’s View of Claims Made for a Digital Euro

The economists don’t seem to understand economics.

How Congress Helped Create Debanking—And How To Fix It

Ultimately, Congress got us into this mess, and Congress has the power to introduce transparency, end reputational risk regulation, and reform the Bank Secrecy Act.

How Confidentiality Laws Harm Bank Customers

This story has happened countless times.