Representative Nick Begich on Thursday introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act, a bill that would create a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve and overhaul how federal agencies custody digital assets on the public balance sheet.
Key elements of the proposal
- Establishes a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” inside the U.S. Department of the Treasury to hold federally controlled Bitcoin. BTC placed in the reserve must be retained for at least 20 years.
- Creates a separate “Digital Asset Stockpile” for non-Bitcoin digital assets managed by the federal government.
- Moves custody and management of digital assets held across federal agencies under Treasury oversight to improve secure stewardship, transparency, and consistent supervision of taxpayer-owned crypto acquired via forfeitures, penalties, and other lawful proceedings.
- Includes explicit protections intended to address digital property rights.
- Orders a study to identify budget-neutral acquisition methods — ways to expand strategic reserves without raising taxes, increasing deficit spending, or adding to the national debt.
Why sponsors say it matters
Begich framed the bill as a modernization and public-safeguard measure that would let the U.S. lead in the digital economy while protecting taxpayers. Republican Rep. Burgess Owens argued the U.S. can no longer treat Bitcoin as a passing fad: Americans are already using digital assets, global markets are adapting, and geopolitical competitors are moving, he said. In their view, a formal reserve and long-term planning would let the U.S. respond from a position of strength.
Where this fits in the policy timeline
The bill follows a related executive action: in March 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, but that effort has not been fully implemented. On the legislative front, broader crypto policy momentum continues — the Senate Banking Committee has already passed the CLARITY Act with bipartisan support and sent it to the Senate floor.
Market backdrop
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin was trading around $77,738, down about 5% over the past week and roughly 38% below last year’s peak near $126,000.
The American Reserve Modernization Act signals a push to formalize crypto holdings as part of national financial strategy, pairing long-term custody rules with efforts to protect taxpayers and clarify federal stewardship of digital assets.
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