BPI Congressional
Fellowship Program 2026
The Bitcoin Policy Institute Congressional Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for outstanding individuals to contribute to the development of sound public policy related to Bitcoin. Fellows are placed in Congressional offices, committees, or other relevant organizations for a twelve-month, full-time position.
Program Structure
The Congressional Fellowship will be a twelve-month, full-time position, with an additional extension option.
Fellows will be placed in Congressional offices, committees, or other relevant organizations, where they will work closely with policymakers, staff, and industry experts.
Key Takeaways
Fellows will be expected to:
Conduct research and analysis on key policy issues related to Bitcoin, cryptocurrency regulation, and related industries.
Develop and present policy briefs, reports, and recommendations to Congressional members and staff.
Collaborate with key stakeholders, including industry experts, academics, and advocacy groups.
Participate in Congressional hearings, briefings, and other events related to Bitcoin and industry policy.
Benefits and Compensation
Applicants must:
1. Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., economics,
political science, law, public policy).
2. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the technical, economic, and social aspects of Bitcoin and monetary policy, as well as the policy landscape that surrounds them.
3. Possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
4. Show a proven track record of leadership, initiative, and teamwork.
5. Be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States.6. Successfully complete a criminal background check.
Eligibility and
Selection Criteria
Fellows will receive:
Fellowship salary of $70k-$100k
Health insurance supplement of up to $425/month*
Relocation allowance of up to $2,000
Travel allowance of up to $2,000
Reimbursement of up to $2,000 for accommodation for the first month of the fellowship in the Washington DC area to ease the transition.
A $500 clothing allowance for purchases of
professional attire
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following:
1. A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your qualifications, interests, and goals.
2. A resume (max. 2 pages).
3. A writing sample (max. 5 pages) on a topic related to Bitcoin or monetary policy.
4. Contact information for two professional references.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.
The 2026 inaugural cohort placed fellows across both chambers and both sides of the aisle.
Sal Pineda
Office of Representative Ritchie Torres
Sal Pineda is a Congressional Fellow for Representative Ritchie Torres, focused on Bitcoin's role in capital markets, energy systems, and the emerging digital economy. He holds an MBA from Cornell University and a Master's from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, and is a founding member and former co-president of the Cornell Bitcoin Club. His background spans diplomacy, strategy consulting, venture advisory, private equity, and capital markets research across Latin America and the United States. His current research develops the concept of the "Knowledge Network of Bitcoin" and examines the convergence of Bitcoin, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing with national security and monetary sovereignty.
Peyton Allworth
Office of Senator Cynthia Lummis
Peyton is a Congressional Fellow for Senator Cynthia Lummis, focused on protocol-level policy and translating Bitcoin's technical mechanics for staff and members on the Hill. He holds a degree in economics from CSU Chico, where he was also an NCAA pole vaulter. Before the fellowship, he completed Chaincode Labs's BOSS Residency program, built lightningyield.com, and co-founded Quibble. His undergraduate research inverted Keynesian liquidity preference to argue that Bitcoin's fee market converts crisis-driven hoarding into productive energy and mining investment.
Joseph Sandres
Office of Senator Jim Justice
Joseph Sandres is a Congressional Fellow for Senator Jim Justice, focused on shaping clear, durable legal frameworks for Bitcoin and emerging financial technologies. He holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. His prior experience includes roles with the SEC and the Utah Division of Securities in securities regulation, enforcement, and investor protection, alongside legal research on digital assets, decentralized finance, and blockchain policy.
Kevin Tucker
Office of Representative Nick Begich
Kevin is a Congressional Fellow for Senator Nick Begich, focused on digital assets policy, an interest he has been developing since late 2019. Originally from Northborough, Massachusetts, he holds a degree in finance and political science from Bryant University, where he wrote his honors thesis on the scaling and future of scalable blockchain technology.
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