Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has called out U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis for canceling a meeting and refusing to reschedule. Lummis, known for her pro-Bitcoin stance and role as Chair of the Senate’s Digital Assets Subcommittee, has been a vocal figure in crypto legislation.
However, Garlinghouse expressed disappointment over her decision, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership across the broader digital asset industry.
Heading to DC to champion sensible pro-crypto legislation around stablecoins and market structure, and I’m very encouraged to see our elected officials look at crypto as it should be – a multichain industry.
That said, @SenLummis, as Chair of the Digital Assets Subcommittee,…
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) May 19, 2025
Ripple’s Push for Sensible Crypto Regulation
Garlinghouse announced traveling to Washington, D.C., to advocate for “sensible pro-crypto legislation” focused on stablecoins and market structure. While optimistic about other elected leaders who see the crypto industry as a multi-chain space, his comments suggest that Lummis’ refusal to meet with him contradicted the responsibilities of a national leader.
Some maximalists see Lummis’ actions as support for Bitcoin, with one commenter calling Bitcoin the only asset that matters, with others suggesting that Lummis shares their maximalist views. However, Garlinghouse’s statement shows that he maintains his inclusive stance and wants to advance the market.
“As a leader in Congress and Senator from one of the most crypto-friendly states,” he wrote, “I hope you will reconsider and be a leader for ALL of crypto.”
Garlinghouse has consistently pushed for inclusivity in the crypto space, and while Bitcoin maximalists were calling for a Bitcoin-only national crypto reserve, Garlinghouse suggested a multi-asset reserve to include top U.S. cryptocurrencies.
Ripple’s Stablecoin Initiative and Broader Crypto Goals
Ripple has been active in shaping the U.S. regulatory framework for digital assets, and Garlinghouse has consistently positioned the company as a key stakeholder in that process. The meeting with Senator Lummis was expected to support that mission, particularly as Ripple expands its influence through its new stablecoin initiative, RLUSD.
Launched in December 2024, RLUSD represents Ripple’s strategic entry into the stablecoin market. Ripple has stressed the importance of regulation and transparency, and the long-running XRP lawsuit and the negative effects it had on the asset show the importance of sensible regulation.
Ripple has big plans for RLUSD as Garlinghouse previously revealed plans to make it one of the top five stablecoins by the end of 2025, and sensible crypto legislation is crucial in achieving that goal.
Despite Lummis’ actions, Garlinghouse is optimistic and called on the Senator to join him on an X space or any live event to discuss ways to advance the entire crypto space and not just Bitcoin, and help achieve Donald Trump’s goal of making the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.
