United States / South Dakota

Key Races in South Dakota

4,449 crypto advocates

What politicians in SD are saying

Keep up with recent tweets about crypto from politicians in South Dakota.

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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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The first person to win a block gets a prize of bitcoins. Since the second step in forming a block is essentially up to chance, the most effective way to mine is simply to throw more computation at the problem, verifying as many blocks as possible as fast as possible.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Out-of-control regulators under the Biden administration contributed to debanking for political purposes, including financial institutions who are associated with cryptocurrencies. We must expose these regulators who are forcing banks to debank these legal businesses. pic.x.com/rdiYq8TJ82
Very pro-crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Software developments, however, mean that they don’t need to bother with masks and voice modulators. They can issue a ransom and request payment with a cryptocurrency (CC) (like bitcoin) rather than exchange a briefcase full of cash.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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This means that, as bitcoin gets more valuable, more people mine, mining gets harder, it takes more computations and more electricity to mine a bitcoin. Some of you may be familiar with @elonmusk recent statement about bitcoin’s carbon footprint.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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In short, the more miners there are, the harder it is to mine bitcoins. Since the best way to mine is to simply use more computations, there is an incentive to pool as much effort into mining as possible, simply to make sure your pool has an advantage over other miners.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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This blockchain of transactions forms a distributed ledger that is difficult to modify and easy to verify (in theory); a ledger that is maintained collectively on a network with specific protocols to verify each new block in the chain, meaning that bitcoin exchanges are secure.
Very pro-crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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The interesting thing is that you can make it easier or harder to form new blocks if you make the nonce higher or lower. And for bitcoin, the difficulty is adjusted every 2016 blocks so that the rate of formation of new blocks is constant.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Met with members of the South Dakota Blockchain Institute in Sioux Falls to discuss legislation related to cryptocurrency. We also discussed the use of AI in their industries. Appreciate them stopping by to visit. @DIFA_USA pic.x.com/0hr7O11jq1
Very pro-crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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So how does this relate to Colonial Pipeline? Bitcoins only exist as data. They can be tied to digital wallets rather than a specific person’s identity, which means people believe they can receive and spend them anonymously- perfect for secret transactions like ransoms.
Somewhat anti-crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Some people decided that, if the commodity backing a currency doesn’t matter, then why should money need to be a physical object and why should you need a government (or bank) to back money? From there, some programmers started developing cryptocurrencies (CCs).
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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These protocols revolve around cryptography (for computers, this is the use of math to code information) hence “crypto”currencies. However, someone needs to actually verify each new block in the chain to keep the system running smoothly.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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In short, mining a new bitcoin is a two-step process. First, you need to verify a block’s worth of transactions, then you need to guess a hash (a number). Your guess is compared to a target (called a nonce) and if your guess is below the nonce then you form a block.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Despite the randomness, it's more like they’re getting paid a fee to maintain ledgers than mining or creating bitcoins. Miners provide proof that they’ve done work to contribute to the chain in exchange for compensation (in bitcoins), rather than making bitcoins themselves.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Since #bitcoins are decentralized, there isn’t a government or bank to maintain the system, which means there needs to be a different way. People who verify transactions are bitcoin miners, and the process of verification is fundamental to how they make (or mine) new bitcoins.
Neutral on crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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This week’s @BankingGOP hearing confirmed what many have feared: misguided debanking policies and an anti-crypto and fintech bias from Biden-era regulators are stifling innovation and impacting growth. Banks should be able to provide services to legal businesses – it’s as simple as that. We need common-sense oversight that protects our financial system while unleashing progress. Thank you to Nathan McCauley from @Anchorage Digital in Sioux Falls for coming and telling your story.
Very pro-crypto
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Mike Rounds

@SenatorRounds

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Using bitcoin as an example: bitcoins exist in digital ledgers, but to prevent fraudulent exchanges, transactions are recorded in encrypted blocks. Each block points at the previous block and has a timestamp. Go where each block points and you get a chain, called a “blockchain”.
Neutral on crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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A central bank digital currency allows unprecedented surveillance & control over private citizens’ bank accounts. This is wholly un-American and is used by governments like the CCP. I just voted for the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act to protect your financial privacy & liberty.
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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My CLARITY Act just passed the House with broad bipartisan support. I’m grateful for the partnership of @RepFrenchHill @CongressmanGT and @RepBryanSteil on this historic legislation. I hope the Senate acts soon so America can lead in digital asset innovation. pic.x.com/ou5Bsv19AB
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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The CLARITY Act sets clear rules to: ✅ Protect consumers ✅ Protect developers ✅ Strengthen the digital asset market ✅ Increase transparency and accountability https://t.co/D2vXTzFYcb
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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The digital asset space is muddled with regulatory uncertainty, lack of authority, & a lacking framework for core operating principles. The #crypto industry wants clarity. This collaborative bill with @CongressmanGT & @RepFrenchHill gives both the CFTC & SEC a seat at the table. x.com/HouseAgGOP/sta…
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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My colleagues in @FinancialCmte passed our FIT for the 21st Century Act to bring clarity to digital assets regulation. I look forward to doing the same in @HouseAgGOP tomorrow to get our bill closer to becoming law.
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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America should be the global leader in the digital assets marketplace - but we can't do that without establishing a clear regulatory framework. Our bill will give the market clarity it needs to thrive. I’m grateful for the work and leadership of my colleagues on this important piece of legislation. dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-re…
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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As the global economy adopts more blockchain & digital assets technology, the South Dakota Blockchain Institute is keeping us up to speed by advocating for blockchain here. I spoke with them about bills I’ve been working on, like FIT21 to establish a digital assets framework. pic.x.com/FiVdQCvBLo
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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.@HouseAgGOP just passed our FIT for the 21st Century Act to establish a digital assets framework—providing regulatory certainty to digital asset developers and the whole market. We’re another step closer to that goal.
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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The regulatory certainty provided by CLARITY will launch a golden age of digital assets, transforming every industry like the internet did. Today is a watershed victory for America. pic.x.com/96QDZBXmyh
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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Blockchain will transform technology in the same way the internet did in next decade and beyond. It was great to join @RepBryanSteil for @BlockchainAssn’s policy summit. pic.x.com/KlAgNjes7B
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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A central bank digital currency (CBDC) allows governments to track purchases of its users. I voted to pass the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act to prohibit the U.S. from creating a CBDC, protecting your financial privacy and upholding American values. pic.x.com/G4iKFWv7Fo
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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There are problems in the digital asset space. Later today, the House will pass my bill that will deliver real solutions. #FIT21 @RepFrenchHill @PatrickMcHenry @CongressmanGT pic.x.com/hvvFbBBup2
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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There’s a lot of confusion surrounding digital assets. In a rare joint hearing with the digital assets subcommittees in both House Ag & House Financial Services Committees, leaders on digital assets and commodities cleared up some of our confusion so the U.S. can remain the leadex.com/i/web/status/1…logical innovation.
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@DustyJohnson

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📺 I went on @dakotanews_now with @BriAlNews and discussed a wide range of issues, including: → The Epstein Files - We should release them! → Cryptocurrency - America needs to lead! → Immigration - We need to continue to build and maintain the wall! More: dakotanewsnow.com/2025/07/29/rep…
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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RT @RepFrenchHill: #FIT21 may be the most substantial piece of digital asset legislation in Congress’s history. It heads to the House Flo…
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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The SEC cannot continue to regulate by enforcement. The lawsuits filed against digital asset firms are not protecting the public and are stifling innovation and growth. My letter to SEC Chair Gensler ⬇️ https://t.co/RjoBNs5YQs
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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🚨 BIG CRYPTO NEWS: My bill—the FIT for the 21st Century Act (first crypto package to pass out of committee on a bipartisan vote)—fills gaps in the regulatory arena for digital assets. Basic rules of the road are needed, and today we delivered. pic.x.com/tbkS2OUIFr
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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A surrender of leadership in the digital asset space has created a patchwork of unclear rules and enforcement-first tactics, stifling innovation and investment in the U.S. Today, that changes. It's time for CLARITY. pic.x.com/2muc1TxrpI
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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RT @FinancialCmte: #NEW: Chairman @PatrickMcHenry & @RepFrenchHill release a digital asset market structure proposal with @HouseAgGOP Chair…
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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RT @CaucusMain: FIT21 creates the regulatory framework for digital assets. As @RepFrenchHill states, it will be great for innovators, inves…
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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D.C. rarely works like it should, but today, after more than a year of work, our groundbreaking legislation to clarify the regulatory structure for digital assets passed overwhelmingly. #FIT21 @PatrickMcHenry @CongressmanGT @RepFrenchHill pic.x.com/MWjxWZhsCw
Very pro-crypto
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Dusty Johnson

@RepDustyJohnson

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It’s Crypto Week in the House. I’m excited to consider historic legislation like my CLARITY Act to encourage innovation in the United States so America can be the “Crypto Capital of the World.” pic.x.com/tX0YPj1JQg
Very pro-crypto
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