Wyoming Senator Slams DOJ's Take on Non-Custodial Crypto Software, Vows to Protect User Rights

Wyoming’s Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis has responded to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) latest argument regarding non-custodial software. Lummis’s remarks follow the DOJ’s reply brief on the indictment against Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm’s motion to dismiss.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a staunch advocate of cryptocurrency, expressed concern over the Biden administration’s DOJ stance on non-custodial wallet software on May 1, 2024. Senator Lummis articulated her apprehensions through a post on the social media platform X, stating:

I am deeply troubled by the Department of Justice’s hyper-aggressive argument that non-custodial software can constitute a money transmission service. This stance contradicts existing Treasury guidance, common sense and violates the rule of law.

The senator from Wyoming further elaborated that the DOJ’s position jeopardizes fundamental property rights. “Arguments against self-custody software threaten the fundamental property rights that are core to being an American,” Lummis wrote. “I will do everything I can to fight for your rights to hold your own keys and run your own node.”

A crucial part of the DOJ’s court filing maintains that Section 18 U.S.C. § 1960 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) does not mandate a business to control the funds. Coin Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to crypto policy advocacy, challenges this claim. Peter Van Valkenburgh, the director of research at Coin Center, argues in a recent blog post that the definitions provided by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and other regulatory authorities clearly counter the DOJ’s position.

What do you think about the senator from Wyoming’s statements about non-custodial crypto software? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below. #Write2Earn