White Paper on H.R. 6572:
Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023
Clarissa Terracciano 

November, (2024)

Executive Summary 

The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023 (H.R. 6572) strategically positions academia and think tanks as essential contributors to the United States' leadership in blockchain technology. This legislation mandates the creation of advisory committees under the Department of Commerce while ensuring that academic and policy research inform blockchain deployment and innovation for the enhancement of American competitiveness. The Act places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, ensuring that policies are rooted in rigorous, interdisciplinary research to address data integrity, cybersecurity, and equitable access to digital resources. This focus on cybersecurity provides a reassuring outlook for the safety of blockchain technology (H.R. 6572, §3(b); Grech, Balaji, & Miao, 2022). 

Blockchain has the potential to enhance security, and economic resilience is highlighted, particularly in sectors like education. The Act emphasizes the technology’s ability to provide tamper-resistant, transparent data management, addressing vulnerabilities such as the 29 million records exposed in educational data breaches (Comparitech, 2023). By enabling secure academic credentialing, blockchain has the potential to reduce barriers to educational access and ensure verifiable, globally recognized qualifications. This focus on equitable credentialing offers a promising outlook for educational reform, instilling hope for a more accessible and equitable education system (H.R. 6572), §2(a); Cerdan & Jardí, 2018). 

H.R. 6572 calls for collaboration between academia, think tanks and industry to develop best practices that prioritize security and scalability. This integration ensures that blockchain advancements align with societal needs and promotes innovation through public-private partnerships. The Act's strong promotion of these partnerships is a testament to the potential for collaborative innovation in the blockchain space, fostering an optimistic outlook for the future of blockchain technology (H.R. 6572, 2023), §3(c); Baldi et al., 2023). By leveraging academic expertise, the Act lays the foundation for a research-driven approach to secure and effective blockchain integration, supporting U.S. competitiveness in the digital age (Grech et al., 2022).

Introduction 

H.R. 6572, the Deploying American 

Blockchains Act of 2023 recognizes the essential role of academia and think tanks in addressing national priorities around blockchain technology. The bill’s strategic response to mounting cyber threats and data vulnerabilities assigns academia and policy research institutions responsible for developing secure, decentralized systems to manage and protect data. Blockchain’s potential for transparency, decentralization, and immutability offers a robust solution for critical issues in sectors like education, where secure data handling and equitable credentialing are paramount (H.R. 6572, §3). Through mandated research-backed advisory committees, H.R. 6572 facilitates a knowledge-centered, multi-sector approach to blockchain, ensuring policies are rooted in empirical evidence and interdisciplinary expertise (Grech et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2024). 

Goals and Objectives 

H.R. 6572 emphasizes blockchain’s versatility across various sectors while identifying and mitigating risks. By calling upon the Secretary of Commerce to establish advisory committees, the Act empowers academia and think tanks to develop “policies and recommendations on issues and risks” related to blockchain, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, data privacy, and decentralized identity systems (H.R. 6572, 2023), §3(b)(1)). The Act seeks to position the United States at the forefront of blockchain research and innovation, with academia playing a pivotal role in promoting the “stability, maintenance, improvement, and security” of blockchain systems (H.R. 6572, 2023), §3(b)(2); Ghonim & Corpuz, 2021). 

The Role of Academia and Think Tanks 

Driving Research and Innovation: H.R. 6572 places academia and think tanks at the forefront of blockchain research and policy development. The advisory committees, comprising experts from these sectors, ensure that empirical studies and interdisciplinary research deeply inform blockchain policies. By incorporating these perspectives, the Act underscores academia’s responsibility in advancing blockchain’s application for decentralized data management, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity (H.R. 6572), §3(b)(9)(vi)). This directive aligns with recent literature highlighting the importance of policy frameworks in guiding responsible blockchain use (Grech et al., 2022; Capetillo et al., 2022). Academic Contributions to Educational Reforms: H.R. 6572 also emphasizes the role of educational institutions in exploring blockchain applications within education. By developing blockchain-based models for credentialing and secure data storage, academia can help solve persistent issues, such as credit loss during transfers and verifying academic records. These academic initiatives support broader access to educational opportunities, making credential recognition more equitable and reducing the systemic barriers associated with academic mobility (Hansen et al., 2021; Lemoie & Soares, 2020).

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Enhancing Data Security: Academic institutions are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches exposing sensitive student information and institutional records. H.R. 6572 calls on academia to contribute to cybersecurity policy development, with a strong focus on secure blockchain-based solutions for data integrity and privacy (H.R. 6572), §3(b)(1)). The Act's emphasis on cybersecurity and data privacy underscores the importance of blockchain’s decentralized structure in offering educational systems an innovative approach to data protection, reducing risks associated with centralized data storage, and enhancing security (Comparitech, 2023; Grech & Camilleri, 2017). 

Supporting Equitable Credentialing: Blockchain technology enables secure, verifiable academic credentials that remain accessible across institutional and national borders. H.R. 6572 advocates for decentralized identity management, which is particularly valuable in educational systems for reducing inequities in credential verification. The Acr advocates for decentralized identity and data management, which is essential to the role of blockchain in supporting more equitable access to higher education globally and promoting academic mobility. H.R. 6572), §3(b)(4); Savelyeva & Park, 2022) 

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Fostering Transparency and Collaboration: Academia and think tanks are essential in developing open-source blockchain frameworks from the lens of multiple stakeholders, such as researchers, academic leaders, technology developers, and policymakers. H.R. 6572 emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships to establish “best practices” in the blockchain. These best practices include standards for data integrity, privacy protection, and system scalability, ensuring that these technologies remain secure, scalable, and beneficial to the public (H.R. 6572), §3(c)(1)). Open-source platforms democratize access to blockchain research, allowing universities to contribute to and benefit from collective knowledge (El Koshiry et al., 2023). 

Ensuring Interoperability: The Act calls on academia to become active members in contributing to interoperable blockchain systems. The system's design would seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, particularly in education, where data transfer and verification are crucial. Research and policy work in this area will be instrumental in addressing inefficiencies, such as credit loss, that hinder academic progress and disproportionately affect underserved students (Hansen et al., 2021).

Timeline of H.R. 6572 

Introduction in the House of Representatives: On December 4, 2023, Representative Larry Bucshon [R-IN-8] introduced H.R. 6572, which was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. 

Committee Consideration: December 5, 2023 

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup session, amended the bill, and voted unanimously (46-0) to report it favorably. 

House Floor Action: May 14-15, 2024 The bill was debated under suspension of the rules on May 14, 2024, with forty minutes of discussion. A vote was ordered but postponed. On May 15, 2024, the House resumed debate and passed the bill by a vote of 334-79. 

Senate Reception and Referral: May 16, 2024 

The bill was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 

Current Status: As of November 4, 2024, H.R. 6572 is under consideration by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It must be approved by the Senate and signed by the President to become law.

Consequences of Passage vs. Non Passage 

If Passed: Should H.R. 6572 pass, academia and think tanks will be afforded the funding, support, and call to action needed to advance blockchain research and application. The funding can enable the development of secure, scalable, and ethical blockchain frameworks that can enhance data protection, streamline academic credentialing, and ensure that the United States promotes a competitive edge in digital technology. The Act’s call for public and private collaboration could facilitate translating academic research and needs into impactful blockchain technology applications, positioning the U.S. as a leader in ethical and equitable blockchain use (Grech et al., 2022; Savelyeva & Park, 2022). 

If Not Passed: If the bill does not pass, the United States may risk falling behind in the innovative technological advancements blockchain promises to offer while reducing its global competitive edge. Academia and think tanks would need to find other methods of adapting to technological advances to foster bureaucratic duties requiring more federal support to limit cybersecurity advancements and perpetuate educational credentialing inefficiencies. Moreover, without structured federal oversight and support, existing data vulnerabilities in educational institutions may worsen, leaving them susceptible to breaches and systemic inequities (Lemoie & Soares, 2020; Comparitech, 2023). 

Academic institutions and think tanks are poised to actively develop and shape definitions and practices to authentically reflect academia's unique needs and priorities, such as universal access and equitable education practices that are inclusive of all learners at all stages of their development.

1. Establish Blockchain Research and Innovation Centers: Universities should create dedicated centers focusing on blockchain research, addressing best practices, ethical implications, and technology integration. These centers would drive academic inquiry into blockchain’s potential, ensuring that findings are circulated to inform policy and public understanding. Research should emphasize practical applications in secure credentialing and data protection to address systemic issues in education and other sectors. 

2. Develop Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives: Think tanks and academic institutions are poised to integrate computer science, education policy, and ethics to foster and deploy interdisciplinary projects that integrate and promote a comprehensive impact on policy recommendations. These initiatives would provide comprehensive collaboration that reflects research to account for multiple perspectives and diverse needs of system users from academic stakeholders to promote the technology's feasibility to foster societal improvement and growth.

 

3. Develop Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: Academia and think tanks should actively engage with industry leaders to create real-world, scalable blockchain solutions that reflect the voices and needs of the individuals and community they serve. These partnerships would support research-to-practice models, where academic insights translate into practical implementations. The collaboration would also foster innovation while prioritizing security and ethical standards, aligning with H.R. 6572’s call for collaborative frameworks (H.R. 6572, 2023), §3(d)). 

4. Promote Blockchain Literacy and Professional Development: Academic institutions should incorporate and design educational programs based on the needs and perspectives of their community to increase blockchain literacy among students, educators, and policymakers. Think tanks can host workshops, conduct action research, and publish accessible research briefs to help demystify the concepts of blockchain technology. This emphasis on education and professional development will equip future leaders with the knowledge needed to leverage blockchain for societal benefit (H.R. 6572, §3(c)(5)). 

5. Create Policy Advisory Committees within Academia:  Universities and research institutions have the opportunity to include students, parents, policymakers, and community partnerships, such as businesses and supply chain producers, to evaluate the implications of blockchain technology. By creating multi-stakeholder advisory boards, academia and think tanks are uniquely positioned to amplify community voices in developing evidence-based recommendations. This approach helps shape governmental documents to ensure blockchain technology deployment aligns with public needs and interests.

Conclusion 

Through H.R. 6572, academia and think tanks are positioned as essential drivers of blockchain innovation, ensuring that empirical research, ethical considerations, and societal needs inform blockchain applications. The Act promotes a secure, equitable, transparent blockchain ecosystem vital to national security and educational reform (Delgado-von-eitzen et al., 2024). By fostering cross-sector collaboration and supporting academic initiatives, H.R. 6572 ensures blockchain advances serve the broader public interest, positioning the United States as a global leader in this critical 

technology (H.R. 6572,2023), §3(b); Grech et al., 2022). ★★★★★

References 

Baldi, M., Chiaraluce, F., Kodra, M., & Spalazzi, L. (2023). Security analysis of a blockchain-based protocol for the certification of academic credentials. Frontiers in Computer Science, 23(1), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11704-023-3113-x
Capetillo, A., Camacho, D., & Alanis, M. (2022). Blockchained education: Challenging the long-standing model of academic institutions. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing, 16, 791-802. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-022-00886-1
Cerdan, A., & Jardí, A. (2018). Blockchain in education: On the limit between the real, the possible, and the dreamed. Digital Education Review, (34), 109-111. 

Comparitech. (2023). Data breaches in U.S. schools. Comparitech. 

https://www.comparitech.com
Delgado-von-Eitzen, C., Anido-Rifón, L., & Fernández-Iglesias, M. (2024). NFTs for the Issuance and Validation of Academic Information That Complies with the GDPR. Applied Sciences, 14(2), 706.

Ghonim, A., & Corpuz, I. (2021). Moving toward a digital competency-based approach in applied education: Developing a system supported by blockchain to enhance competency-based credentials. International Journal of Higher Education, 10(5), 33-44. 

https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v10n5p33 

Grech, A., Balaji, V., & Miao, F. (2022). Education and blockchain. UNESCO and Commonwealth of Learning. https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/4131 

Hansen, T., Soares, L., Spires, M., & Tran, H. (2021). The Education Blockchain Initiative Final Report. American Council on Education. 

Lemoie, K., & Soares, L. (2020). Connected impact: Unlocking education and workforce opportunity through blockchain. American Council on Education. 

Savelyeva, T., & Park, J. (2022). Blockchain technology for sustainable education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 53, 1591–1604. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13273 Wang, G., & Yang, Y. (2024). Quantitative evaluation of digital economy policy in Heilongjiang Province of China based on the PMC-AE index model. SAGE Open, January-March, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241234435 

H.R. 6572, Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023, 118th Congress. (2023).