The cryptocurrency space is once again abuzz with debate over whether another lawsuit could be brought against Ripple. The renewed discussion began after House Democrats sent a sharply worded letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins.
Bill Morgan Explains Why the SEC Cannot Reopen the Ripple Case
In their letter, the lawmakers criticized Atkins for dropping several high-profile crypto-related cases, including the one involving Ripple. According to the House Democrats, a total of 12 crypto cases were dismissed because the affected entities allegedly made political contributions to individuals with significant influence.
This development led some in the crypto community to speculate that the SEC might be compelled to reopen a legal battle with Ripple. However, crypto lawyer and long-time XRP legal commentator Bill Morgan has firmly rejected this idea.
Reacting to the speculation, Morgan stated that the SEC is legally barred from pursuing those companies again over the same issues. He pointed to the legal doctrine known as Res Judicata, which prevents a matter that has already been conclusively decided by a court from being litigated again between the same parties.
As Morgan put it, “Too bad the SEC can’t go against those companies again on the same matters. Res Judicata baby.”
The implication is clear: regardless of how strongly House Democrats push or how much critics want the case reopened, the law does not allow it. Since U.S. courts have already ruled on these cases—ending in a victory for XRP—public outrage cannot override established legal principles.
In addition to Ripple, the House Financial Services Democrats also named several other crypto firms, including Kraken, Binance, Robinhood, Coinbase, and Crypto.com. The legislators alleged that each of these companies donated at least $1 million in political support.
Five-Year Legal Battle That Ended in a Historic
$XRP Victory
It is worth noting that the SEC originally filed its lawsuit against Ripple more than five years ago. The case became public on December 22, 2020, when the regulator claimed that XRP should be classified as a security. At the time, the SEC was chaired by Jay Clayton.
Despite intense regulatory pressure, Ripple maintained its position and, supported by a team of legal experts, presented its arguments before Analisa Torres. While Judge Torres delivered a landmark ruling in June 2023, the case formally continued until 2025.
The lawsuit has since been fully resolved, allowing Ripple to move forward with a renewed focus on its core business growth.
#SEC #XRP