The American Innovation Project has appointed Jacob Smagula as a fellow to Representative Ritchie Torres’ team, marking the second placement of crypto-trained staff into Congress through the newly formed advocacy organization. Smagula, who graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 2026, brings direct experience from bitcoin mining and decentralized finance policy roles to a legislative environment where crypto expertise remains scarce among congressional staff.
Crypto Experience Meets Congressional Need
Smagula’s background spans two critical sectors shaping digital asset regulation. He previously worked with the DeFi Education Fund on policy strategy, and has direct exposure to bitcoin mining operations through his work at MARA, a publicly traded mining company. His appointment follows earlier Capitol Hill internships with Representative Jake Auchincloss and Senator Angus King, giving him familiarity with legislative processes alongside technical knowledge. The fellowship places him directly on Torres’ team as the New York Democrat works on emerging technology issues affecting his district and national policy.
AIP Expands Congressional Crypto Presence
The American Innovation Project, founded in August 2025, simultaneously placed Hugo Swangstu with Representative Shomari Figures of Alabama. AIP’s backing includes digital asset firms Coinbase, Kraken, and Andreessen Horowitz, alongside infrastructure investors Paradigm, Solana Policy Institute, and Uniswap Labs. The two-fellow cohort announcement on May 5, 2026 signals the organization’s strategy to embed technologists directly in congressional offices rather than lobby from outside. Torres stated the fellows address a clear gap: “The next generation of policymakers must understand the technologies reshaping our economy, national security, and daily lives.”
Filling a Capitol Hill Knowledge Gap
Congressional staff typically lack hands-on experience with digital assets, bitcoin infrastructure, or DeFi protocols. Fellowship programs designed to transfer technical expertise into legislative drafting have proven effective in AI and biotech policy. The AIP model targets the same gap for crypto and emerging tech. Representatives Figures emphasized the timing: “As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s essential that Members of Congress are informed and prepared to craft sound tech policy.” Both fellows represent a shift toward embedding specialized knowledge at the point of legislative decision-making rather than attempting influence through traditional lobbying channels.
What Comes Next
The fellowship duration and specific policy focus areas remain undisclosed. Smagula’s placement with Torres, who has previously engaged on digital asset regulation, suggests potential work on cryptocurrency banking access and mining policy. The success of this initial cohort will likely determine whether AIP expands future fellow placements to additional congressional offices.
