House Committee to Markup Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill on September 16

The House Financial Services Committee will hold a markup on September 16 at 10:00 a.m. ET to consider H.R. 8957, the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026. The bill would create a federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate stockpile for non‑Bitcoin digital assets.

Key Provisions

• Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Treasury must establish a secure storage facility within 180 days of enactment. All qualifying Bitcoin—obtained through forfeiture or civil penalties—must remain in the reserve for a minimum of 20 years.
• Digital Asset Stockpile: Non‑Bitcoin crypto assets would be held in a separate stockpile, with Treasury having discretion to sell or convert them. Proceeds may be used to increase the Bitcoin reserve or reduce the national debt.
• Proof‑of‑Reserve Reporting: Treasury must publish quarterly cryptographic attestations of holdings, audited by an independent third party and overseen by the Comptroller General.
• Agency Transfer Timeline: Federal agencies have 60 days to inventory their crypto holdings and, after Treasury certification, 30 days to transfer applicable assets to the new structures.

Long‑Term Holding Rules

Bitcoin already in the reserve and any future acquisitions must stay locked for at least 20 years. Two years before the lock‑up ends, Treasury must advise Congress on whether to continue holding the assets or to begin a gradual release. After the period expires, up to 10 % of the reserve could be sold in any two‑year window.

Budget‑Neutral Acquisition Study

The bill does not mandate new Bitcoin purchases. Instead, Treasury and the Department of Commerce have 180 days to study budget‑neutral ways to acquire additional Bitcoin over the next five years without new taxes, borrowing, or deficit spending. Potential sources include converting assets from the Digital Asset Stockpile, surplus remittances from Federal Reserve banks, and future forfeitures or penalties.

State Participation

A voluntary program would allow states to place their Bitcoin holdings in segregated accounts within the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve while retaining title and control over any forks or airdrops.

Protection of Private Ownership

The legislation explicitly states it cannot be used to authorize seizure or confiscation of lawfully acquired Bitcoin, affirming the right of individuals and entities to own, transfer, and self‑custody digital assets.