US Bitcoin Reserve Bill Clears Hurdle in House Committee Vote

US lawmakers have taken a significant step towards making Bitcoin a lasting part of the federal government's reserves. The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8957) passed the US House Committee on Financial Services in a 28-21 vote, clearing a hurdle for the legislation.

The bill would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate Digital Asset Stockpile within the Department of the Treasury for federally held Bitcoin and other digital assets acquired through criminal or civil forfeiture. Representative Nicholas Begich introduced the bill, citing concerns about the current system's security risks and lack of transparency.

Under ARMA, Bitcoin in the federal government's reserve would have to be held for a minimum of 20 years, and all federal agencies would need to provide a full accounting of digital assets currently held or controlled by the federal government. The legislation also affirms private ownership and self-custody rights of Bitcoin.

The US government is estimated to hold 324,527 Bitcoin, worth $24.7 billion at the time of writing, according to Arkham Intelligence. The bill still needs to pass the full House and Senate before reaching the president's desk.