A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 to establish a federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The bill, led by Representative Nick Begich, aims to acquire up to 1 million Bitcoin over five years without taxpayer money and mandates the assets be held for a minimum of 20 years.
U.S. lawmakers have renewed efforts to codify a national strategic Bitcoin reserve with a new bipartisan bill. The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 would establish a reserve and digital asset stockpile to be held by the Treasury Department, said its sponsor, Representative Nick Begich.
The bill builds on the earlier BITCOIN Act and is sponsored by 16 members of Congress. Patrick Witt of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets referred to it as “Version 2” and said the White House has examined its legal implications.
“It’s a breakthrough as far as getting everything in place, legally sound, properly safeguarding the assets,” Witt stated. The U.S. currently holds 328,372 Bitcoin worth over $25.5 billion, the most of any nation.
“The US is already one of the largest holders of Bitcoin in the world. But Congress has never set a federal policy on what to do with that asset,” said co-sponsor Representative Jared Golden. The bill requires Bitcoin be held for at least 20 years unless sold to reduce the national debt.
It seeks to acquire up to 1 million Bitcoin through budget-neutral strategies. Representative Mike Carey argued this could strengthen America’s long-term economic position.
Strive CEO Matt Cole said ARMA is the “single most important crypto legislation” from Washington. The bill would also mandate quarterly proof of reserve reports and independent audits.
Furthermore, it seeks to protect digital property rights by affirming individuals’ right to own or self-custody digital assets. This legislative push comes as the federal government’s existing Bitcoin holdings have been partially sold through court-ordered actions.
