US lawmakers are reviving the strategic Bitcoin reserve debate with the ARMA bill, putting federal crypto policy and reserve strategy back in focus.
US lawmakers are renewing their push to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve through the American Reserve Modernization Act, or ARMA bill, led by Congressman Nick Begich. The legislation aims to codify Bitcoin as a formal component of US national reserve strategy.
What the ARMA bill means for the strategic Bitcoin reserve push
Congressman Nick Begich introduced the ARMA bill to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve at the federal level. The bill would create a legal framework for the US government to hold Bitcoin as a reserve asset alongside traditional holdings like gold and foreign currencies.
What to Know
- The ARMA bill would enshrine a US strategic Bitcoin reserve into law, moving beyond executive action.
- The effort builds on a March 2025 executive order that established an initial strategic Bitcoin reserve and digital asset stockpile.
The proposal follows President Trump’s March 2025 executive order establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve and US digital asset stockpile. The ARMA bill would elevate that directive from executive action to legislation, making it harder for future administrations to reverse.
Executive orders can be rescinded by any subsequent president, while legislation requires congressional action to undo. By codifying the reserve in law, the bill’s sponsors aim to give Bitcoin a durable role in US fiscal policy, similar to how gold reserves are governed by statute.
Why lawmakers are revisiting Bitcoin reserve policy now
The renewed push reflects growing congressional interest in formalizing crypto’s role in national strategy. The March 2025 executive order demonstrated White House support, but lawmakers have signaled that executive action alone is insufficient to build lasting policy.
Bitcoin is the sole digital asset named in the reserve framework, distinguishing it from broader crypto regulation efforts. The bill’s focus on Bitcoin specifically, rather than a basket of digital assets, aligns with the asset’s unique position as the largest and most liquid cryptocurrency.
The legislative push arrives as US policymakers grapple with enforcement and compliance across the crypto industry, from ATM operators to exchanges. The ARMA bill represents the other side of that effort: not just regulating crypto activity, but actively integrating Bitcoin into government financial infrastructure.
Other nations are also wrestling with how to handle digital assets at the policy level, with Germany’s recent crypto tax debate in the Bundestag highlighting the global nature of these discussions. The US bill positions the country as a potential leader in sovereign Bitcoin adoption.
What happens next for the ARMA bill and Bitcoin policy debate
The bill now faces committee review and potential markup before reaching a floor vote. Its trajectory will depend on bipartisan support and committee leadership priorities.
Even before passage, the bill’s introduction shapes the policy conversation. It signals to markets and international policymakers that the US is serious about holding Bitcoin at the sovereign level, at a time when regulators worldwide are still defining how digital assets fit within existing legal frameworks.
Readers should watch for co-sponsor additions, committee hearing schedules, and any companion legislation in the Senate. The bill’s progress will serve as a barometer for how seriously Congress treats Bitcoin as a strategic national asset in the current session.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
