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US Congressman Timmons Demands SEC to Disclose Ethereum Security Documents

Story Highlights
  • Congressman William Timmons demands SEC release internal Ethereum documents to clarify changing legal stance.

  • Timmons' letter asks SEC for emails and records discussing Ethereum's classification as a security.

  • Meanwhile, in 2018 SEC speech said Ethereum is not a security, now conflicting with unclear 2025 rules.

  • SECโ€™s unclear position on Ethereum causes confusion for businesses and crypto enthusiasts in the market.

The debate over whether Ethereum (ETH) is a security is heating up again, and this time, a U.S. lawmaker is stepping in. U.S Representative William Timmons from South Carolina is urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to release internal documents explaining its changing stance on Ethereumโ€™s legal status over the years.

Asking for Ethereum Internal Documents

In his letter to SEC Chair Paul Atkins, Timmons expressed concern over what he described as the SECโ€™s โ€œzigzaggingโ€ behavior when it comes to ETH. He noted that the public and crypto market participants deserve transparency, especially after years of mixed signals from the agency.

To get to the bottom of it, Timmons has requested key internal documents from the SEC. These include:

  • Emails discussing Ethereum and whether it qualifies as a security
  • Records about the ETH 2.0 investigation
  • Files titled โ€œETH โ€“ Security or Notโ€ and similar subjects

These documents were previously identified in a lawsuit involving Coinbase but had not been shared publicly.

2018 Promise, 2025 Confusion

Back in 2018, the SECโ€™s Director of Corporate Finance, William Hinman, stated that Ether and Bitcoin would not be treated as securities. This made people in the crypto community feel more secure.ย 

But, under Chair Gary Gensler and the Biden administration, the rules seem less clear, as they refused to offer more clarity on their security status. 

Meanwhile, Timmons pointed out that this confusion is bad for businesses and for regular people who are interested in crypto. He said, โ€œThe American people and the crypto community deserve transparency as Congress moves forward with the CLARITY Act.โ€

Why It Matters?

Timmons says releasing these records will help Congress, the crypto industry, and the public better understand how the SECโ€™s view on Ethereum has changed. He also believes this will shed light on what he calls the SECโ€™s secretive โ€œregulation by enforcementโ€ strategy โ€” one that has slowed innovation and confused investors.

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FAQs

Who is William Timmons?

William Timmons is a U.S. Representative from South Carolina. He is a Republican who has expressed concerns about the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation, specifically regarding Ethereum.

Why is a U.S. lawmaker asking the SEC for Ethereum documents?

U.S. Rep. William Timmons is urging the SEC to release internal documents to clarify its “zigzagging” stance on Ethereum’s security status and promote transparency.

How would releasing these SEC documents benefit the public?

Releasing the documents would provide transparency, helping Congress, the crypto industry, and the public understand the SEC’s evolving view on Ethereum. Sources

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