Progressive legislators should empower the United States Postal Service to implement a custodial on-chain and Lightning BTC wallet, enabling anyone to convert between dollars and Bitcoin at any post office. This initiative would provide essential financial services to the millions of unbanked and underbanked communities, promoting financial inclusion and reducing reliance on predatory fiat. By leveraging the trusted network of local post offices, progressives can ensure that everyone has access to the digital economy.

By providing custodial BTC wallets, the USPS can offer a government-backed alternative for managing and transacting money, reducing our dependence on centralized proprietary banks and fiat. BTC payments via the Lightning Network are faster and cheaper, offering a cost-effective alternative to high-fee card payment networks and fostering competition in the payment industry.

To make this vision a reality, Democrats should propose and pass a bill granting the USPS the authority to develop and offer these services, allocate funding for necessary infrastructure, and launch a public awareness campaign. They should also initiate pilot programs to test and refine the system. Empowering the USPS in this way is a bold and necessary step towards building a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive financial system for all Americans.