Kamala Harris Vows to Keep US ‘Dominant in Blockchain’

Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday during a speech at The Economic Club of Pittsburgh that blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies will be a key part of her administration if elected president in November.

“We will invest in biomanufacturing and aerospace, remain dominant in AI and quantum computing, blockchain and other emerging technologies, [and] expand our lead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing,” she said, “so the next generation of breakthroughs—from advanced batteries to geothermal to advanced nuclear—are not just invented, but built here in America by American workers.”

This is the first known instance that Harris has publicly commented on blockchain or cryptocurrency during her political career, though Bloomberg reported that she courted donors at a fundraising event last weekend by mentioning plans to encourage technologies including “digital assets.”

During Wednesday’s speech, Harris also emphasized the importance of “leading the world in the industries of the future and making sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.”

Editor’s note: This story will be updated with additional details.