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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez—who was re-elected on Wednesday for a second term—said Tuesday that he would be willing to receive his salary in Bitcoin. He made the assertion after Bitcoin expert Anthony Pompliano asked which politician would accept his payment in the cryptocurrency.
In addition, the mayor mentioned his government’s chief technology officer, asking if he could help him with his requirement. “I’m going to take my next paycheck 100% in bitcoin…problem solved! @Sarasti can you help?” wrote Suarez on Twitter.
Suarez’s Bitcoin salary proposal
Suarez’s comments come amid a debate in the U.S. over the use of the currency. Some congressmen have expressed their disagreement with this type of transaction. In fact, in July, a bill was introduced in New York to ban Bitcoin mining in the state.
According to a report by El American, House Bill 6486 was introduced by NY Senator Kevin Parker (D) to the state New York Senate Environment Committee on Monday.
The bill argues that a single Bitcoin transaction consumes as much energy as an American household for a day. The entire Bitcoin mining can consume as much electrical power as a country the size of Sweden.
However, in other countries, cryptocurrency has gained momentum. For example, this Tuesday it was learned that the Government of El Salvador will build 20 public schools with Bitcoin profits.
The announcement was made by President Nayib Bukele. The president explained that the funds will come from the Salvadoran Fund for the adoption of Bitcoin, which currently enjoys a value of the cryptocurrency that averages around $60,000 dollars.
After passing the law making Bitcoin legal tender, the Government of El Salvador has invested more than US$ 21 million in the cryptocurrency.