Republican lawmakers call for the removal of SEC’s Gary Gensler over bias and damage to the digital asset industry
In a bold move, U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson, with support from House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, has advocated for the firing of SEC Chair Gary Gensler in 2024, attributing his stance to alleged corruption and abuses of power.
This development comes amid escalating tensions between the SEC and the digital asset sector throughout 2023.
Restructuring the SEC
Davidson, voicing significant concerns over Gensler’s enforcement-first regulatory approach, believes this has strained the SEC’s relationship with the digital asset industry. To address these issues, Davidson introduced the SEC Stabilization Act earlier this year.
The Act, aiming to restructure the SEC and remove Gensler, cites a “long series of abuses” under Gensler’s leadership. It proposes adding a sixth commissioner and an Executive Director to oversee day-to-day operations, with all rulemaking, enforcement, and investigation powers remaining with the commissioners.
The proposed restructuring aims to prevent a single political party from holding more than three commissioner seats, thereby safeguarding U.S. capital markets from potential political agendas.
Davidson emphasized the need for reform, stating:
“U.S. capital markets must be protected from a tyrannical Chairman, including the current one. It’s time for real reform and to fire Gary Gensler as Chair of the SEC.”
Emmer supported Davidson’s sentiments, highlighting the necessity for clear and consistent oversight in the interest of American investors and the industry rather than political maneuvering.
In addition to Davidson’s legislative efforts, tweets from various supporters echo the sentiment for Gensler’s removal and the Act’s passage.
One tweet highlighted the goal of ending the accredited investor rule, asserting it protects the interests of a privileged class. Another tweet accused Gensler’s SEC of favoring Wall Street over Main Street, endorsing Davidson’s bill as a means to hold the SEC accountable.
These developments and the proposed SEC Stabilization Act mark a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue about regulatory approaches and accountability within the U.S. financial regulatory framework.
