What is the ARMA Bitcoin reserve bill?

The American Reserve Modernisation Act of 2026, or ARMA, is proposed US legislation that would create a federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The bill would allow the US Treasury to hold up to 1 million Bitcoin under government custody.

How much Bitcoin would the US government buy under ARMA?

The bill authorises the Treasury to acquire up to 200,000 Bitcoin annually over five years. If fully implemented, the reserve would eventually hold 1 million Bitcoin.

Who introduced the ARMA Bitcoin reserve legislation?

Nick Begich and Jared Golden introduced the bipartisan legislation. The proposal combines crypto reserve policy with broader digital asset custody and disclosure requirements.

How would the US fund Bitcoin purchases under ARMA?

The bill proposes a budget-neutral model using gold revaluation measures to generate funding for Bitcoin acquisitions. Lawmakers argue this approach avoids directly increasing taxpayer spending.

Why does the ARMA bill matter for Bitcoin investors?

A US government plan to accumulate up to 1 million Bitcoin could significantly strengthen Bitcoin’s legitimacy as a strategic reserve asset. Traders may also view large-scale sovereign accumulation as a long-term bullish signal for Bitcoin demand.

Does the ARMA bill build on Donald Trump’s crypto policy?

Yes, the legislation expands on Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve framework. ARMA would convert parts of that executive policy into formal legislation approved by Congress.

What is the difference between a Bitcoin reserve and a digital asset stockpile?

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve specifically focuses on Bitcoin accumulation, while the digital asset stockpile could include other cryptocurrencies held by the federal government. ARMA also requires agencies to disclose all digital assets currently under federal control.

Why are lawmakers comparing Bitcoin to strategic national assets?

Supporters argue Bitcoin could become strategically important in a future digital financial system, similar to gold reserves today. They believe sovereign Bitcoin holdings may strengthen US financial influence and technological competitiveness.

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US lawmakers propose 1M Bitcoin reserve bill

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published May 22, 2026, 12:29 AM

US Representatives Nick Begich and Jared Golden introduced legislation proposing a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve capable of holding up to 1 million Bitcoin under federal custody.

The American Reserve Modernisation Act of 2026, or ARMA, would direct the US Treasury to acquire as many as 200,000 Bitcoin annually over five years while also establishing a broader digital asset stockpile managed by the federal government.

The bipartisan bill expands on the “Establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile” executive order signed by Donald Trump in March 2025 and requires federal agencies to fully disclose digital assets held in their possession.

Begich said:

“The legislation positions the United States to lead confidently in the digital age while protecting taxpayer interests, strengthening financial sovereignty, and reinforcing the principles of transparency and sound stewardship.”

The bill proposes funding Bitcoin acquisitions through gold revaluation measures designed to keep purchases budget-neutral while also introducing custody standards intended to reduce the risk of digital asset losses through poor security practices.

Golden said cryptocurrency was no longer a fringe asset class and argued Congress needed to establish a more permanent framework governing federal Bitcoin holdings rather than relying on changing executive branch policies.

The proposal follows growing global interest in sovereign Bitcoin reserve strategies, with lawmakers in Brazil also debating legislation that would allow the country to allocate up to 5% of foreign reserves toward Bitcoin acquisitions over five years.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $77,440.83.