U.S. Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill

Opening

U.S. Representatives Nick Begich (Republican) and Jared Golden (Democratic) introduced the 'American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA)' on the 21st (local time), establishing a framework to codify strategic Bitcoin reserves as federal law. The bill creates a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve under the U.S. Treasury to consolidate Bitcoin acquired by the government through seizure, forfeiture, and fines, while modernizing the management system for all digital assets held by federal agencies. This legislative action follows President Donald Trump's executive order on strategic Bitcoin reserves, which outlined plans to establish a national Bitcoin reserve based on seized Bitcoin.

Bill Details

The ARMA establishes the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve with a minimum 20-year maintenance period. Bitcoin acquired through government seizure, forfeiture, and penalties will be consolidated and managed under this unified structure. Digital assets other than Bitcoin will be managed separately under a 'digital asset stockpile' framework.

The bill mandates consolidated reporting of digital asset holdings across federal agencies and includes a proof-of-reserve reporting system to ensure transparency in reserve operations.

Policy Context

In a statement, Representative Begich explained the rationale: "The U.S. must build a reserve asset strategy suited to the digital age" and emphasized the approach strengthens "fiscal sovereignty and transparency while promoting innovation." The bill represents a congressional effort to codify the Trump administration's strategic Bitcoin reserve initiative, which previously announced plans to create a national Bitcoin reserve using seized Bitcoin as the foundation.