US House Committee Advances Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill for Markup Vote

The House Financial Services Committee has approved the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8957), which seeks to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve managed by the Treasury Department. This bill, introduced by Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) and co-led by Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), has garnered bipartisan support with over 20 cosponsors.

The legislation mandates a 20-year holding period for federally forfeited Bitcoin, preventing any sales during this time. Currently, US agencies hold approximately 328,372 BTC, valued between $25 billion and $30 billion. The bill aims to formalize the government's current practice of retaining forfeited Bitcoin, which began with a 2025 executive order by President Trump.

In addition to Bitcoin, the bill proposes the establishment of a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for other cryptocurrencies. Notably, it includes provisions to protect privately held Bitcoin from government seizure and requires the Treasury to publish quarterly Proof-of-Reserve reports, ensuring transparency in the management of these assets.

Furthermore, the bill extends wash-sale rules to digital assets, aligning them more closely with traditional securities for tax purposes. This move could have significant implications for market dynamics, as locking away a substantial amount of Bitcoin for two decades may influence its availability and value.

While the bill has cleared the committee stage, it still faces challenges ahead, including a full House vote and potential revisions in the Senate. The outcome of this legislation could signal the US government's long-term stance on Bitcoin as a valuable asset.

New Developments in Cryptocurrency Legislation

• The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced two significant cryptocurrency bills: the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act and the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026.
• The Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act received strong support with a 38–5 vote in the House Ways and Means Committee, aiming to clarify federal tax rules for digital assets.
• The House Financial Services Committee marked up the bill proposing the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
• Market sentiment indicates potential optimism in the crypto sector following the advancement of these bills, despite the stalling of the broader CLARITY Act in the Senate.
• Observers are closely monitoring legislative actions in the U.S. Congress, particularly any movement on the CLARITY Act, which could indicate shifts in the regulatory environment.
• As the end of 2026 approaches, there is growing interest in Bitcoin's potential to reach higher price thresholds if legislative clarity continues to improve.