Bill > HR6598

This bill modernizes the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) authority to conduct research and development programs by establishing a comprehensive framework for exploring and understanding emerging technologies and their impact on financial markets. The bill requires the CFTC to create ongoing research programs that help the agency understand technological advances, assess their potential effects on commodity and financial markets, and identify areas where regulatory approaches may need to adapt. The agency is authorized to develop educational materials, establish research and development plans, and engage in flexible transaction processes that allow for innovative research approaches. The bill also permits the CFTC to accept non-monetary contributions for research purposes, with strict guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest or inappropriate endorsements. Additionally, the CFTC must submit an annual report to Congressional agricultural committees detailing its research transactions and contributions, including explanations of potential utility and alignment with research objectives. These provisions are designed to ensure the CFTC remains technologically current and can effectively regulate increasingly complex financial markets, with the research authority set to expire on October 1, 2031, unless renewed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6598/all-info