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House rejects appeal after member seeks recusal over cryptocurrency ETF holdings
Summary
Representative Iwamoto asked to be recused from voting on a crypto-related bill, citing substantial holdings in a Fidelity Bitcoin ETF; the Speaker ruled she was part of a broad class and not conflicted, the appeal was taken and defeated on a roll-call vote (reported 45 ayes, 3 nos, 2 not present).
A procedural clash on ethics and recusal drew extended floor debate when Representative Iwamoto asked to be recused from a cryptocurrency-related measure under House Rule 62, citing a substantial personal financial interest.
"I own a substantial amount of shares in what's called Fidelity wise origin Bitcoin ETF," Representative Iwamoto told the House while asking to be excused under the conflict-of-interest rule. The Speaker responded that the proposed bill would apply to "all cryptocurrencies, not a specific type," and ruled that the member is part of a broad class and therefore not disqualified from voting under the House rules. Representative Iwamoto appealed the ruling.
Members debated the procedural and ethical questions on the floor, including whether the House should allow internal recusal requests when members are part of broad classes of interests. Representative Todd and others argued against allowing the recusal; Representative Iwamoto and supporting speakers argued for adherence to a higher recusal standard. The body then took a roll-call vote: the clerk reported a tally of 45 ayes, 3 nos, and 2 not present and announced the appeal was defeated, leaving the Speaker's ruling intact for the remainder of the session.
The transcript records the appeal and the roll-call outcome; it does not show the underlying bill text or a subsequent disposition of the affected bill in this excerpt.
