Lawmakers pass bill to freeze federal Bitcoin holdings for two decades

The House Financial Services Committee advanced legislation to put a federal Bitcoin reserve into statute on Sept. 16, approving a framework that would require a 20-year holding period and annual independently audited reporting.

The panel voted 28–21 to report H.R. 8957 favorably, moving the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 beyond its introduction stage. The measure still requires further legislative action before its proposed custody and holding rules can become law.

The legislative effort builds on an existing executive-policy framework. President Donald Trump’s March 6, 2025 order directed the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and separate digital asset stockpile, restricted disposal subject to legal exceptions, and instructed Treasury and Commerce to develop budget-neutral acquisition strategies.

Sponsored by Rep. Nicholas Begich of Alaska, ARMA would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate Digital Asset Stockpile within the Treasury Department. Its immediate focus is how Washington holds and accounts for assets it owns. Additional Bitcoin acquisition is addressed through a study.

The committee adopted Rep. Bryan Steil’s substitute by voice vote and rejected an amendment from Rep. Maxine Waters, 21–28, according to the markup record. The decision follows the vote CryptoSlate previewed on Sept. 15.