In this episode, Nik welcomes David Zell, co-founder of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to analyze the shifting tides in Bitcoin policy and the regulatory challenges posed by Operation Choke Point 2.0. As the post-election landscape evolves, David shares what these changes mean for Bitcoin advocacy, the institute’s strategy with lawmakers, and the push for Ross Ulbricht’s freedom as part of broader policy shifts. He and Nik discuss a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) as a priority for the new administration, its potential to align government incentives with Bitcoin’s growth, and the need for a de minimis exemption to simplify transactions. Together, they underscore the importance of bipartisan support and clear policy to secure Bitcoin’s role in the U.S. economic future. Follow David's Work: www.btcpolicy.org The Bitcoin Layer is a bitcoin and global macroeconomic research firm. The Bitcoin Layer is proud to be sponsored by Unchained, the leader in Bitcoin financial services. Unchained empowers you to take full control of your Bitcoin with a collaborative multisig vault, where you hold two of three keys, and benefit from a Bitcoin security partner. Purchase Bitcoin directly into your cold storage vault and eliminate exchange risks with Unchained's Trading Desk. Unchained also offers the best IRA product in the industry, allowing you to easily roll over old 401(k)s or IRAs into Bitcoin while keeping control of your keys. Don’t pay more taxes than you have to. Talk to us today. Visit https://thebitcoinlayer.com/unchained and use code TBL for $100 off when you create an account. Try Stamp Seed, a DIY kit that enables you to hammer your seed words into a durable plate of titanium using professional stamping tools. Take 15% off with code TBL. Get your Stamp Seed today! https://www.stampseed.com/shop/titanium-seed-phrase-storage-kits.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Subscribe and turn on notifications for TBL on YouTube. Subscribe to TBL’s research letter: https://thebitcoinlayer.com/subscribe Follow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayer Subscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform. Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficial Use code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 870062 Contribute to The Bitcoin Layer via Lightning Network: [email protected] Nik Bhatia's Twitter: https://twitter.com/timevalueofbtc Creative Director Matthew Ball's Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewrball #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #BitcoinPolicy #BitcoinRegulation #OperationChokePoint #PostElection #BitcoinAdvocacy #BitcoinPolicyInstitute #DavidZell #BitcoinLegislation #BitcoinInWashington #BitcoinFuture #BitcoinStrategy #CryptoRegulation #RossUlbricht #BitcoinFreedom #StrategicBitcoinReserve #SBR #GovernmentIncentives #BitcoinGrowth #DeMinimisExemption #BitcoinTransactions #BipartisanSupport #BitcoinAndPolitics #EconomicFuture #SecureBitcoin #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice. Subscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on Soundwise