US Bill Proposes 20-Year Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Reps. Nick Begich (R-AK) and Jared Golden (D-ME) introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA) on May 21, 2026, aiming to codify a strategic Bitcoin reserve into federal law. The bill would require the Treasury Department to maintain a Bitcoin reserve for at least 20 years and create a stockpile for other government-held cryptocurrencies. It also mandates consolidation of digital assets from federal agencies acquired via forfeitures and penalties, with proof-of-reserve reports for transparency. The initiative follows President Trump's 2025 executive order creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve, which remains unallocated. The bill has 17 original co-sponsors, but faces criticism from Rep. Maxine Waters who argues crypto lacks inherent value for strategic reserves. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has ruled out agency purchases, complicating budget-neutral accumulation. The ARMA Act aims to shield crypto holdings from executive or congressional whims, contrasting with the BITCOIN Act requiring purchases of 1 million BTC over five years.
Key facts
- ARMA bill mandates 20-year strategic Bitcoin reserve managed by Treasury.
- Consolidates crypto from federal agencies with proof-of-reserve transparency.
- 17 co-sponsors include both Republicans and Democrats.
- Critics argue crypto lacks inherent value for strategic reserves.
- Trump executive order from 2025 remains unallocated; Treasury rules out purchases.