Overview

• The Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 along party lines to advance Paul Atkins for SEC Chair and Jonathan Gould for OCC head.
• Both nominees are expected to prioritize regulatory clarity for digital assets and address concerns about politically motivated 'debanking.'
• Democratic senators, led by Elizabeth Warren, criticized Atkins and Gould for their roles in deregulation leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.
• Atkins argued during his confirmation hearing that 'misregulation' rather than deregulation was the primary cause of the financial crisis.
• Senate consideration of the nominations is delayed due to a filibuster by Senator Cory Booker, stalling broader legislative progress.