US Proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve with 20-Year Holding Period

A bill to modernize America's reserve system has been introduced in Congress. The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and impose a minimum 20-year holding period on BTC USD placed in it.

The proposed reserve structure would have the Treasury Secretary oversee monitoring, auditing, physical security, and cybersecurity, with consultation involving Defense, Homeland Security, and industry experts. The bill requires accounting for and proper storage of assets from BTC USD forks or airdrops, with restrictions on their sale or disposal in the first five years unless authorized by law.

The central constraint is a holding requirement, during which Bitcoin cannot be sold or transferred. Before the holding period ends, the secretary must advise Congress on whether to continue holding or gradually release some assets. After the holding period, Congress may sell up to 10% of reserve assets every two years.