Representative William Timmons has requested documents from SEC Chair Paul Atkins concerning the agency's historical approach to Ethereum under Gary Gensler's leadership. In a letter, Timmons emphasized the need for clarity on the SEC's inconsistent stance regarding Ether's status as a security. He recalled previous statements from former SEC officials, particularly William Hinman, who affirmed that Bitcoin and Ether would not be treated as securities. Timmons criticized Gensler for casting doubt on Ether's status without providing clear answers during a congressional hearing in April 2023. He pointed out the SEC's actions, such as approving Ether exchange-traded funds, which he argued indicate Ether cannot be considered a security. Timmons expressed concern over the confusion caused by these inconsistencies for American crypto participants. His request follows a FOIA action associated with Coinbase, which sought similar documents to clarify the SEC's views on Ethereum, leading to legal disputes after the SEC denied the request.

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