Margaret "Maggie" Sinclair

Vinachelli: Mr. Koenig, If confirmed, you will be responsible for enforcing sanctions against our adversaries. Now that President Van Horn has secured historic peace agreements securing the end of the socialist Maduro regime, and stopped Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, will you work with the Administration to roll back sanctions and lower American’s energy prices? Given the responsibilities of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s duty to regulate against and enforce financial transactions to terrorists and international traffickers, do you agree that Members of Congress should be individually prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with any foreign adversaries as well? If confirmed, the IRS will be under your Department. The last administration jacked up funding for the IRS by $80 billion and wanted to require banks to invade innocent hard working taxpayer’s privacy by requiring banks to turn over every American’s bank account information if it exceeded only $600 in transactions per year. As Secretary of the Treasury, would you agree with these policies or work to protect individual taxpayer privacy?

I appreciate the question, and another congratulations to you my friend. Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is the thing on the block and will not be disappearing if we did nothing about it. They are here to stay, and I'm here for it. I look at it through the eyes of FinTech, and I have some experience here given my family's company has moved toward that model. It's a growing industry and it will outpace every industry and will invade every sector. These powerful tools will redefine how we do business, how we govern, and how we live. We should be supporting that every step of the way. Crypto and blockchain bring transparency, efficiency, and a decentralization of power to the table, disrupting old, tired systems that have plagued the nation for a century. I've long advocated for smart regulation that ensures stability without stifling innovation. The White House and Congress, essentially America, must take the lead in creating a regulatory framework that attracts innovators while protecting consumers. The goal, however, isn't to ban or hobble crypto or blockchain tech; but, rather, the goal is to make America the best place in the world to develop blockchain technologies. Treasury, under my leadership, would work to strike that balance. And, even in AI, which AI in itself is a revolution. It's already reshaping industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. The key is to embrace its potential without leaving workers behind. I see three critical steps: upskilling, accountability, and innovation incentives. That means that we should invest in programs that retrain workers for the AI age because the future isn't about competing with machines, but working with them. We also need transparency in AI alogrithms to ensure fairness and prevent abuses. And, we should incentivize American-led AI research and development so that we can stay ahead in the global race. America thrives when we lead, not when we cower. Emerging technologies aren’t something to fear, they’re something to shape. As Treasury Secretary, I’d bring the same focus I’ve brought to the Senate: leveraging innovation to empower workers, grow our economy, and keep the United States at the forefront of the global stage.

IN THE SENATE Mr.Storm (for himself and others) introduced the following bill; A Bill Section 1: Short Title This Act may be cited as the "Russia Trade Relations Suspension Act of 2025." Section 2: Findings Congress finds the following: The Russian Federation has violated international law by its unprovoked aggression and invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has caused significant human, economic, and infrastructural damage to the Ukrainian people. Reparations for such damages are necessary for justice, accountability, and the rebuilding of Ukraine. Trade relationships must reflect the values of the United States, including respect for sovereignty and human rights. Section 3: Suspension of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (a) Suspension of PNTR Status Effective immediately upon enactment, the designation of the Russian Federation as a country with Permanent Normal Trade Relations under Section 402 of the Trade Act of 1974 is hereby suspended. (b) Imposition of Non-Most-Favored-Nation Tariffs All products imported from the Russian Federation shall be subject to the rates of duty set forth in Column 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. (c) Conditions for Reinstatement of PNTR Status PNTR status may be reinstated for the Russian Federation if the President certifies to Congress that: a. The Russian Federation has entered into negotiations with the United States to determine and implement reparations for the Ukrainian people. b. The negotiations have led to a binding agreement to provide adequate compensation and redress for damages caused. Section 4: Reporting Requirements The President shall submit to Congress a report every 90 days detailing: Progress in negotiations with the Russian Federation. Any efforts made by the Russian Federation to comply with international norms regarding reparations to Ukraine. Section 5: Effective Date This Act shall take effect immediately upon its enactment.