PANews reported on May 24 that the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the "CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act," with 213 Republicans and 3 Democrats voting in favor, and 192 Democrats voting against. The bill, introduced by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Republicans expressed concerns that CBDCs could be used to control Americans. During the debate before Thursday's vote, Democrats argued that these concerns were exaggerated and that the ban would hinder innovation and research in the public sector.