US Lawmakers Advance Bill to Formalize Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

U.S. lawmakers moved closer to formalizing President Donald Trump’s plan for a government-held Bitcoin program after the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 cleared the House Committee on Financial Services.

The bill, H.R. 8957, passed the committee on Wednesday in a 28–21 vote and would create a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” alongside a separate “Digital Asset Stockpile” at the Department of the Treasury. These reserves would cover federally held Bitcoin and other digital assets acquired through criminal or civil forfeiture.

Key takeaways

• The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8957) advanced after a 28–21 vote in the House Financial Services Committee.
• It would set up Treasury-managed structures for forfeited Bitcoin and other digital assets, including a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
• Bitcoin held under the reserve would be required to remain in federal custody for at least 20 years.
• The bill includes mandatory accounting and transparency steps, such as quarterly “proof of reserve” reporting and third-party audits.
• While it formalizes federal custody, the text also emphasizes private ownership and self-custody rights for Bitcoin.

What H.R. 8957 would change for federal Bitcoin custody