And there's the problem!

Defining crypto-currency as a financial "asset" that people can pay to other people to settle debts (of whatever kind) or store as value erases the distinction between a "currency" and an "asset," thereby nullifying Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Of course, this is perfectly appropriate in an economy in which financial instruments replace tangible goods as indicators of value! Why should anyone wonder about the ineffectiveness of U.S. policy in addressing the real economic problems of this country?