A Republican lawmaker from Texas is calling on the federal government to install cryptocurrency ATMs in public buildings across the United States. In a May 1 letter to the General Services Administration (GSA), Representative Lance Gooden suggested the machines could serve as educational tools and signal national support for financial innovation. He also framed the proposal as being in line with President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance.

Gooden urged acting GSA Administrator Stephen Ehikian to begin exploring regulatory guidelines that would allow these digital asset ATMs—commonly operated by companies like Bitcoin Depot and CoinFlip—to be placed in federally managed properties. However, the GSA currently only permits ATM placements by federal credit unions, and it remains unclear whether Ehikian has the authority to approve crypto ATMs from private firms without Congressional approval.

Despite advocating for crypto infrastructure, Gooden has no reported financial investments in cryptocurrency or ATM providers since taking office in 2019, based on public financial disclosures. His office has yet to comment further on the proposal.

The timing of the letter comes as the Senate debates stricter regulation of crypto ATMs, especially in response to scams targeting elderly Americans. Senator Dick Durbin recently introduced a bill to prevent fraud via such machines.

This move also aligns with President Donald Trump’s increasing involvement in the digital asset space. Beyond owning crypto, Trump’s campaign has embraced blockchain-based fundraising and launched a memecoin, even offering exclusive dinners to top token holders.

The proposal raises questions about the limits of administrative power, as the installation of crypto ATMs on federal property may ultimately require legislative action. Both the GSA and Gooden’s office have yet to issue formal responses.