Congressman Nick Begich and Congressman Jared Golden have officially introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (ARMA), a bipartisan initiative aimed at establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. With support from 17 original co-sponsors representing various states, the legislation seeks to address the management and oversight of federally held digital assets.
Comprehensive in its scope, ARMA proposes that all federally held digital assets, which are obtained through processes such as forfeitures and penalties, be consolidated under the Treasury’s purview. The bill delineates between assets by creating a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for non-bitcoin digital assets. Notably, any bitcoin placed in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would be mandated to remain there for a minimum of 20 years.
The legislation emphasizes transparency and accountability through requirements for quarterly public “Proof of Reserve” reports, independent third-party audits, and Congressional oversight. Additionally, ARMA calls for a study focused on budget-neutral strategies to acquire and expand digital reserves without incurring new taxes or adding to the national debt.
Proponents of the bill highlight the necessity for a statutory framework to guide the government’s burgeoning involvement with bitcoin. Congressman Golden pointed out the current lack of guidelines, stating that past administrations have auctioned off or retained bitcoin in reserve based on executive discretion. By enshrining the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in law, the legislation aims to enhance stability and provide Congress with additional time to develop long-term policies for cryptocurrency governance.
Congressman Pat Harrigan likened bitcoin to gold, asserting that just as gold has historically underpinned American financial security, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would position the country as a leader in 21st-century finance.
The bill also addresses fundamental property rights by asserting that the federal government cannot impede individuals’ lawful rights to own, transfer, or manage their digital assets independently. Several co-sponsors expressed concerns about the competitive threats posed by China and other nations, arguing that the U.S. risks losing its financial leadership if it does not develop a coherent digital asset strategy.
Congressman Begich underscored the importance of property rights in the digital realm, asserting that the evolution of the global economy necessitates policies that protect individual liberties, promote innovation, and diversify America’s core reserves. Through these initiatives, the ARMA aims to solidify the United States’ position in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
