A bill to codify President Donald Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, initially established through an executive order, has cleared a key hurdle in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation’s core provision requires the U.S. government to hold its Bitcoin reserves for at least 20 years, effectively managing Bitcoin as a long-term national asset.
On Wednesday, the House Financial Services Committee convened and passed the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R.8957) with a vote of 28 in favor and 21 against. The committee conducted a markup session on several bills, including H.R.8957.
The bill’s main thrust is to establish a Digital Asset Stockpile within the U.S. Treasury, separate from the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This move aims to create a systematic framework for managing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies acquired by the federal government through various means, including criminal and civil asset forfeiture.
Representative Nicholas Begich, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating that it can’t afford to leave federally-held Bitcoin in a fragmented, inconsistent storage system. This poses unacceptable cybersecurity risks and prevents the government from fully grasping the extent of its holdings.
A key provision of the bill, if enacted, would require Bitcoin in the strategic reserve to be held for a minimum of 20 years. This approach elevates Bitcoin from mere government property to a long-term national reserve asset.
The legislation also introduces measures to boost transparency in the government’s cryptocurrency holdings. It mandates all federal agencies to fully disclose their current virtual asset holdings and control, publish quarterly Proof of Reserve reports, and undergo independent audits.
Furthermore, the bill calls for research into budget-neutral strategies to expand the strategic Bitcoin reserve without additional strain on government finances. It also includes provisions allowing state governments to store their Bitcoin with the Federal Reserve System.
This legislative effort is significant as it seeks to cement the Bitcoin reserve system, initially created by President Trump’s executive order last year, into law. By codifying this policy, the bill aims to insulate it from potential changes in future administrations.
However, the bill still faces several hurdles before becoming law. After clearing the House Financial Services Committee, it must pass a full House vote and then secure Senate approval. If successful in both chambers, it will head to the President’s desk for final signature and enactment.
