Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA) in the House on Thursday, with 16 original cosponsors. The bill aims to codify the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, established by President Trump's March 2025 executive order, into permanent federal law. Unlike executive orders, statutes cannot be easily rescinded by future administrations. ARMA mandates a 20-year holding period for all federally controlled bitcoin, including approximately 198,000 to 328,000 BTC seized from criminal forfeitures like Silk Road and the Bitfinex hack. The Treasury would be authorized to acquire up to 200,000 BTC per year for five years, targeting a one-million-coin reserve, with acquisitions required to be budget-neutral to avoid new taxpayer spending. The Bitcoin Policy Institute endorsed the bill as a step toward professionalizing federal custody. Committee hearings in the coming weeks will determine the bill's progress.

Key facts

• ARMA codifies the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve into permanent federal law.
• Requires a 20-year holding period for all federally controlled bitcoin.
• Authorizes Treasury to acquire up to 200,000 BTC per year for five years, budget-neutral.
• Bill has 16 original cosponsors and is endorsed by the Bitcoin Policy Institute.
• Covers about 198k-328k BTC seized from criminal cases like Silk Road and Bitfinex hack.

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