Bill would create federal Bitcoin reserve to hold seized crypto 20 years

In markupH.R. 8957Latest action Sep 16, 2026

Sponsor: Nicholas J. Begich III · Representative · AK

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

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Official title: American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026

119th Congress

Topics: Jobs & the economy

Introduced: May 21, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

The bill would create a Treasury-run Strategic Bitcoin Reserve holding seized Bitcoin for at least 20 years.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill creates a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" in the Treasury Department to hold Bitcoin the government obtains mainly through asset forfeiture, storing it for at least 20 years instead of selling it. It also sets up a separate "Digital Asset Stockpile" for other cryptocurrencies, which could be sold or traded to buy more Bitcoin or pay down debt. It requires audits, agency reporting, and lets states voluntarily store Bitcoin in the federal reserve.

Who does it affect?

This affects federal agencies that hold crypto, the Treasury Department, and state governments with an optional storage option. It does not directly affect average citizens' taxes or benefits.

Why does it matter?

Supporters argue it could strengthen U.S. financial standing, while critics may raise concerns about the cost, risk, and practicality of holding a volatile asset for two decades. The bill explicitly bars government seizure of private citizens' personal Bitcoin.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Based on the “Introduced in House” text of May 21, 2026.

After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 16, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

IntroducedMay 21, 2026
House committeeYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
House vote
Senate
The president's desk

Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: September 16, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 21.

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How it's being covered

Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.

Newest of these articles: Sep 23, 2026

coindesk.com
Not rated
Bitcoin nears $87,000, Zcash zooms 10% as U.S. bitcoin reserve bill clears committee
Sep 23, 2026
“Falling oil eased inflation worries through the Asian session, while a bill to make the government's bitcoin stockpile permanent moved further through Congress ...” — coindesk.com
decrypt.co
Not rated
House Committee Advances US Bitcoin Reserve Bill on Party-Line Split
Sep 17, 2026
“A substitute text adopted before the vote strips out the Federal Reserve funding routes and thins the transparency rules.” — decrypt.co
cointelegraph.com
Not rated
US Bitcoin reserve bill passes House Committee
Sep 17, 2026
“The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 passed the US House Committee on Financial Services in a 28-21 vote on Wednesday.” — cointelegraph.com
cryptoslate.com
Not rated
Lawmakers pass bill to freeze federal Bitcoin holdings for two decades
Sep 17, 2026
“ARMA would lock qualifying reserve Bitcoin in place from enactment and require annual audited reporting, while purchases remain a study.” — cryptoslate.com
financefeeds.com
Not rated
House Financial Services Committee to Vote on Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill on Wednesday
Sep 15, 2026
“The U.S. House Financial Services Committee is set to mark up the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 on Wednesday, September 16, potentially advancing” — financefeeds.com

Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.