Congress Introduces Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Legislation

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A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation that would permanently establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and create formal rules for managing federally owned digital assets. The proposal, known as the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA), would require the government to hold reserve Bitcoin (BTC) for at least 20 years and introduce audits, proof-of-reserve reporting, and congressional oversight. The move represents the latest effort to transform President Donald Trump’s Bitcoin reserve initiative from executive policy into federal law.

ARMA Would Put America’s Bitcoin Reserve Into Law

Indeed, according to a May 21 press release, Representative Nick Begich of Alaska introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act alongside Democratic Congressman Jared Golden of Maine and more than a dozen bipartisan co-sponsors.

The legislation would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the U.S. Department of the Treasury and create a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for federally held cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. 

According to Begich, the bill is designed to strengthen America’s financial sovereignty, improve stewardship of taxpayer-owned digital assets, and position the country for the growing role of digital assets in the global economy.

“Private property rights are fundamental to the American Ideal, and those rights must extend fully into the digital space. As the global economy evolves, the United States must embrace policies that protect individual liberty, encourage new innovation systems, and diversify America’s core reserves balance sheet.”

Supporters argue that Congress should establish a permanent framework because federal agencies already control substantial digital asset holdings acquired through legal proceedings like seizures and forfeitures. 

Congressman Jared Golden noted that previous administrations have alternated between selling and retaining Bitcoin holdings, whereas ARMA would create a consistent federal policy backed by law.

“Administrations have auctioned it off or held it in reserve, according to the whims of the executive branch. By creating a strategic reserve with the weight of law, the ARMA reinforces stability and gives Congress more time to establish long-term policy for how the federal government approaches cryptocurrency.”

20-Year Holding Rule And Transparency Measures Included

One of the bill’s most significant provisions would require Bitcoin held in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to remain untouched for at least 20 years, reinforcing its role as a long-term strategic reserve asset.

The proposal would also require every federal agency to provide a full accounting of digital assets currently under government control. Treasury would oversee custody and management, whereas quarterly proof-of-reserve reports, independent third-party audits, and congressional oversight would serve to increase transparency.

Additionally, the legislation directs the government to study budget-neutral methods of expanding strategic reserves without increasing taxes, deficit spending, or the national debt. It also affirms Americans’ rights to lawfully own and self-custody digital assets.

The bill follows President Trump’s March 2025 executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. If passed, ARMA would place that policy on permanent legal footing and create one of the most comprehensive sovereign Bitcoin reserve frameworks proposed by any major economy.