US lawmakers have revived a Bitcoin reserve bill under ARMA. Here is what the proposal appears to cover, why it is back, and what comes next.
US Representative Nick Begich has introduced legislation to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve at the federal level, reviving a proposal now rebranded under the American Reserve Modernization Act, or ARMA.
Begich, a Republican from Alaska, announced the bill through his congressional office, framing it as an effort to codify a federal Bitcoin reserve into law. The measure builds on earlier legislative attempts to position Bitcoin as a strategic asset held by the US government.
What the revived bill proposes
The legislation, referred to as the BITCOIN Act under the ARMA framework, would authorize the federal government to acquire and hold Bitcoin as part of a national reserve strategy. Begich’s office described the bill as a mechanism to establish a “strategic Bitcoin reserve,” though full legislative text and specific acquisition targets have not been widely detailed in available sources.
According to reporting from The Block, the revived bill is intended to codify provisions from a previous executive order related to Bitcoin holdings. The rebranding under the ARMA name signals a broader framing around reserve modernization rather than Bitcoin alone.
The proposal follows a growing trend among US lawmakers exploring how digital assets could fit into national financial strategy. Similar discussions have emerged internationally, with efforts like the Taiwan Bitcoin reserve plan reflecting parallel interest in reducing dependence on traditional reserve assets.
Why the bill is resurfacing now
The timing of the revival aligns with a period of heightened legislative activity around digital assets in Congress. Lawmakers have been advancing multiple crypto-related proposals, including the US CLARITY Act focused on stablecoin regulation, suggesting broader momentum for crypto policy frameworks.
Begich’s push also follows signals from the executive branch. The White House has hinted at progress on Bitcoin reserve policy, and the legislative effort appears designed to give those policy directions a statutory foundation that would outlast any single administration.
The strategic case presented by supporters centers on treating Bitcoin as a long-term store of value that could diversify federal reserves beyond traditional assets like gold and foreign currencies.
What comes next for the ARMA Bitcoin reserve bill
The bill would need to advance through relevant House committees before reaching a floor vote. Committee assignment and scheduling details have not yet been confirmed in available public records.
The proposal faces significant hurdles. Skeptics in Congress have previously raised concerns about the volatility of digital assets, the operational complexity of government-managed crypto holdings, and the precedent of committing taxpayer-linked reserves to a single speculative asset class.
For Bitcoin and crypto market participants, the bill’s progress through committee markup and any companion Senate legislation will be the key milestones to watch. Whether the proposal gains bipartisan support or stalls in committee will signal how seriously Congress treats the concept of a federal Bitcoin reserve in the current legislative 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.
