A renewed push to solidify the United States’ foothold in the digital asset market emerged Thursday as lawmakers unveiled legislation to establish a formal strategic Bitcoin reserve and consolidate the federal government’s multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency stockpile.
Spearheaded by Representative Nick Begich, the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA) of 2026 mandates the creation of a secure Bitcoin reserve within the US Department of the Treasury, alongside a separate “Digital Asset Stockpile” for federally held, non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies.
The legislation aims to provide a long-term structure to the government’s existing digital wealth, primarily amassed through law enforcement seizures. According to data from Bitcoin Treasuries, the US currently holds 328,372 Bitcoin, a stash valued at more than $25 billion.
Begich said in a statement:
“The American Reserve Modernization Act positions the United States to lead confidently in the digital age while protecting taxpayer interests, strengthening financial sovereignty, and reinforcing the principles of transparency and sound stewardship.”
The bill has 17 original House co-sponsors, including Buddy Carter, Ben Cline of Virginia, Barry Moore of Alabama, Burgess Owens of Utah, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, Mike Carey and Michael Rulli of Ohio, Mike Collins of Georgia, Mike Lawler of New York, Riley Moore of West Virginia, and Tim Moore of North Carolina.
Apart from the strong legislative support, crypto industry leaders are already throwing their weight behind the measure.
Matt Cole, CEO of Bitcoin treasury firm Strive, called the proposal “the single most important crypto legislation that can come out of D.C.” for the long-term health and security of the United States.
ARMA establishes a 20-year Bitcoin bet
If enacted, the bill would radically alter how Washington handles digital assets. Rather than periodically auctioning off seized crypto, the Treasury would be forced to consolidate custody and oversight across all federal agencies.
Crucially, the legislation requires that any Bitcoin held in the strategic reserve be maintained for at least 20 years, effectively turning the US government into a long-term “hodler.”
To address persistent industry demands for transparency, the bill establishes stringent reporting measures. The Treasury would be required to publish quarterly public “Proof of Reserve” reports, submit to independent third-party audits, and face direct congressional oversight.
The legislation also directs a study into budget-neutral acquisition strategies. The goal is to evaluate lawful methods for the government to expand its digital reserves without relying on tax increases, deficit spending, or adding to the national debt.
Furthermore, the bill offers an olive branch to crypto advocates by explicitly protecting self-custody rights, affirming that the federal government may not impair Americans’ lawful right to own, transfer, or independently secure their digital assets.
Mounting pro-Bitcoin momentum in Washington
Begich’s proposal builds on a broader, ongoing effort in Washington to pivot the US toward a pro-crypto stance.
Last year, Sen. Cynthia Lummis proposed the BITCOIN Act, which would require the United States to acquire 1 million Bitcoin over five years, hold the assets for at least 20 years, and distribute storage across secure sites nationwide.
The bill also includes a financing mechanism tied to Federal Reserve gold certificates, a structure that would make the proposal a direct bet on converting part of the federal balance sheet into Bitcoin exposure.
Lummis legislation followed President Donald Trump’s executive order to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
However, these initiatives have considerably stalled despite the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance.
Still, the Begich bill aims to build on the recent advancement of the Clarity Act, which passed the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support. That bill is designed to establish clear rules of the road for the industry and encourage institutional investment.