GOP Bill Aims To Add Crypto to 401(k) Retirement Plans


Rep. Troy Downing introduced legislation Tuesday to transform President #Trump's August executive order on cryptocurrency into permanent federal law. The #Retirement Investment Choice Act would grant the executive order full legal authority, opening doors for 401(k) providers to offer digital assets like $BTC and $ETH to American retirement savers.


The one-page bill arrives as the $25 trillion U.S. retirement savings industry weighs exposure to alternative assets. Four #Republican lawmakers joined Downing as cosponsors, including Reps. Byron Donalds, Buddy Carter, Warren Davidson and Barry Moore.


Trump's original order directed multiple agencies to explore pathways for #cryptocurrency and private equity within retirement plans. The Labor Department, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Treasury Secretary received instructions to facilitate access where providers determine that such opportunities could enhance returns.


Downing emphasized the transformative potential of alternative investments for Americans planning their financial futures. The Montana congressman praised Trump's efforts to democratize finance and expressed pride in leading the congressional effort to codify the executive order for future generations.


The bill marks a significant departure from the previous administration's approach. During the Biden era, the Labor Department raised concerns that crypto's promise of outsized returns could cloud investor judgment and attract inexperienced participants, a stance later reversed under Trump.


Currently, $BTC and $ETH exchange-traded funds remain the only directly crypto-exposed assets trading on Wall Street. However, numerous altcoin and meme coin products, including those tracking $SOL and $DOGE, are expected to gain #SEC approval soon.


Analysts estimate that opening the retirement industry to crypto products could inject billions into the digital asset economy.

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October 15, 2025 at 3:27 AM