As lawmakers in Washington signed a new law in support of cryptocurrency last Friday, one nonpartisan group is working diligently to ensure America doesn’t just fight for digital infrastructure, but ultimately takes the lead. 

Last week, President Donald Trump signaled a major turning point for crypto policy in the United States, enabling a first-ever regulatory framework for stablecoins. This promise, marked by the GENIUS Act (The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act), aims to establish clear rules for issuers, protect consumers, and foster responsible innovation in an evergrowing sector of the digital economy.

But while this effort exemplifies a key moment of bipartisan agreement and a crucial step for the crypto industry, critics and experts alike warn that we shouldn’t be all that celebratory. In fact, now is the time more than ever to question what kind of digital infrastructure America should really build, and who should be at the head of shaping it. 

That is why America First Technology Infrastructure & Innovation Initiative (America First Tech) exists. This nonpartisan group brings together trusted voices from government, technology, finance, and others to help secure America’s leadership in the digital economic era. While not directly tied to legislation, this group drives serious conversation around digital infrastructure, with an eye toward long-term stability.

“America First Tech was founded to ensure the United States takes a leadership role in shaping the economic infrastructure of tomorrow—by design, not by default,” says Igor Volovich, Executive Director, Strategy at America First Tech. “We believe America thrives when innovation reflects our values: openness, accountability, and opportunity for all.”

While stablecoins have previously been seen as a harmful product due to concerns over transparency and volatility, they now represent an expansive $250 billion market under the GENIUS Act. The appeal lies in their ability to transfer funds quickly and securely, revolutionizing cross-border payments and remittances. Still, for Volovich and his team, the laws alone aren’t enough to protect the U.S. digital economy.

“This is a moment to bring policymakers, builders, and economists together—to shape the foundational systems that will support a more resilient, inclusive, and secure American economy for generations to come,” he added.

Meanwhile, stablecoins and tokenized assets are already transforming how money moves in America, and it won’t be long until they completely shift our digital infrastructure. According to Fintech News, the global stablecoin market is poised for significant growth, expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030. Digital wall transaction value is also anticipated to hit $25 trillion by 2027, underscoring urgency for a national strategy. Without it, the U.S. may soon find itself adapting to a system built by other governments.

The digital economy conversation is apparent beyond American borders, too. Countries like China, for instance, are rapidly advancing their own central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) by piloting the digital yuan, a form of modern money allowing people to pay quickly and cost-effectively. At the same time, global institutions and fintech firms are exploring tokenized assets and programmable money that may outpace traditional banks in convenience and speed. For the U.S., staying competitive means more than just meeting these global leaders where they’re at—but taking a proactive approach that reflects democratic principles. 

As digital currencies continue to evolve from speculative tools to routine streams of economy, the stakes are undeniably high. So while today we honor “crypto week,” we also cannot forget the true meaning of digital money.

While the GENIUS Act is one step toward a bright future, there is still much work to be done. If the U.S. wants to lead the digital economy, it must take this new legislative effort as a reminder to put its people first in the age of stablecoins and tokenized dollars. The question is no longer whether the financial system will change, but rather if America will be at the forefront when it does.