House Panel Passes Bill to Freeze Federal Bitcoin Holdings for Two Decades

The House Financial Services Committee has advanced legislation to establish a federal Bitcoin reserve and separate digital asset stockpile. The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026, sponsored by Rep. Nicholas Begich of Alaska, would require a 20-year holding period for qualifying federal Bitcoin holdings.

Under the proposed framework, Treasury would be responsible for managing the reserve and stockpile, with annual independently audited reporting required to ensure transparency and accountability.

The measure still requires further legislative action before it can become law. The committee's vote follows President Donald Trump's March 6, 2025 order directing the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and separate digital asset stockpile.

Rep. Bryan Steil's substitute was adopted by voice vote, which includes provisions for Treasury to submit a study within one year of enactment addressing possible conditions for early sales and legislative recommendations for exceptions.