US Lawmakers Clear Path for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
A bill to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile inside the Department of the Treasury has cleared the House Committee on Financial Services. The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8957) was approved in a 28-21 vote, moving it one step closer to becoming law.
The bill aims to improve oversight and standardize federal custody practices for Bitcoin held by the government. It would create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for federally held Bitcoin, which would have to remain there for at least 20 years. This is in contrast to fragmented and inconsistent custody arrangements that currently exist.
Supporters of the bill see it as an opportunity to improve accountability and reduce cybersecurity risks associated with federal Bitcoin holdings. The legislation also introduces transparency mechanisms, including quarterly 'proof of reserve' reports and third-party audits.