House committee advances bill to lock US Bitcoin reserves for 20 years
Committee advances 20-year Bitcoin holding bill
The House Financial Services Committee approved a bill to create a legal framework for a federal Bitcoin reserve. The measure passed a 28–21 vote on September 16, 2026. The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (ARMA) requires federal Bitcoin to be held for at least 20 years. It also mandates that the Department of Treasury publishes public proof of reserves and annual reports checked by independent auditors. The bill does not yet become law; it must still pass the full House and Senate.
Core requirements and next steps
- A 20-year holding period starts only when the bill becomes law, not when Bitcoin is added to the reserve.
- The Treasury Department must submit a study within one year on potential rules for early sales.
- A 180-day study is required to evaluate the costs and benefits of buying more Bitcoin.
- Agencies must account for their digital assets within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
What Chairman French Hill stated
Committee Chairman French Hill described the legislation as a way to bring digital assets held by various federal agencies under the custody of the Treasury Department. The goal is to provide consistent oversight and clear rules for how the government manages these assets. The bill specifically excludes assets that are legally required for other government purposes, ensuring the reserve only includes qualifying holdings.
What is confirmed
The House Financial Services Committee officially reported H.R. 8957 favorably. The bill establishes a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate Digital Asset Stockpile within the Treasury Department. It confirms a minimum 20-year holding period for qualifying Bitcoin. It also confirms that annual reporting will be verified by an independent third-party auditor. The committee rejected an amendment proposed by Rep. Maxine Waters, voting 21–28 to adopt the substitute bill.
Unclear or pending details
The bill does not establish a specific program for buying more Bitcoin. Instead, it requires a 180-day study to determine if future acquisitions are feasible and whether they can be budget-neutral. The exact conditions for early sales are not defined in the current text, but a one-year study must recommend exceptions. The bill still requires a vote in the full House and the Senate before it can be enacted.
Why this matters for the market
This legislation moves the US Bitcoin reserve from an executive policy framework to a statutory obligation. It was built on President Donald Trump's March 2025 order, which directed the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. By locking these assets for two decades, the bill creates a long-term, non-sellable government asset. This adds a new layer of legal certainty to the US government's role in the crypto market.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.
Related Posts
Legal Battle for Ondo Finance Control Intensifies After Founder's Death
