Bipartisan bill would create U.S. Bitcoin reserve, buy 1M BTC

On Thursday, House lawmakers introduced the bipartisan American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 to create a Treasury-held Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile. The measure directs the U.S. Treasury to acquire roughly 1 million Bitcoin over five years using budget-neutral mechanisms that do not draw on congressional appropriations. Representative Nick Begich sponsored the bill with 15 co-sponsors.

ARMA builds on the BITCOIN Act, which was first filed in July 2024 and updated in March 2025. The bill assigns the Treasury responsibility for maintaining the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate stockpile for other federally held cryptocurrencies.

Under the proposal, Bitcoin placed in the reserve must be held for at least 20 years unless sold to reduce the national debt. The legislation would require quarterly proof-of-reserve reports and independent third-party audits. The text also affirms that the federal government may not impair an individual’s right to own or self-custody digital assets.

Sponsors say acquisitions would be budget-neutral and avoid using taxpayer appropriations. Lawmakers note the United States currently holds about 328,372 BTC, valued at more than $25.5 billion, and has sold portions of those holdings through court-ordered actions in past cases.

Representative Jared Golden, a co-sponsor, noted the U.S. is already one of the largest holders of Bitcoin and that Congress has not set a federal policy for managing the asset. Representative Mike Carey argued the bill could strengthen the country’s long-term economic position and help keep it competitive on the world stage. Strive CEO Matt Cole described ARMA as the “single most important crypto legislation” that could emerge from Washington.

Patrick Witt, White House adviser, called ARMA “Version 2” of the BITCOIN Act and added the White House reviewed legal questions around creating a federal Bitcoin reserve, describing work on safeguards and legal frameworks.

The measure now moves through the legislative process in Congress. If enacted, the law would create a formal framework for the Treasury to acquire and maintain a strategic reserve of Bitcoin and a stockpile of other digital assets.