Congressman Nick Begich announced on May 21 the introduction of the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill that would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and update how the United States manages digital reserve assets. Congressman Jared Golden is co-leading the legislation, which has garnered support from several original co-sponsors in Congress.
The proposed act aims to address the growing importance of digital currencies in both domestic and global markets. Supporters say it will help protect taxpayer interests, reinforce financial sovereignty, and provide transparency in managing federally held digital assets.
“The American Reserve Modernization Act 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,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “Private property rights are fundamental to the American Ideal, and those rights must extend fully into the digital space. As the global economy evolves, the United States must embrace policies that protect individual liberty, encourage new innovation systems, and diversify America’s core reserves balance sheet.”
Congressman Jared Golden said: “Digital currencies are not the fringe phenomenon they once were. Individuals, businesses and governments already hold and trade them, and the U.S. 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… By creating a strategic reserve with the weight of law, ARMA reinforces stability and gives Congress more time to establish long-term policy for how the federal government approaches cryptocurrency.” Other members of Congress also voiced support for consolidating federal holdings under one strategy focused on security and oversight.
According to details released by Begich’s office, ARMA would create a secure Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the U.S. Department of Treasury as well as a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for other non-Bitcoin assets held by federal agencies through forfeitures or penalties. The bill mandates quarterly public reports called “Proof of Reserve,” independent audits by third parties, congressional oversight measures for transparency, as well as requirements for all agencies to report their current holdings.
The legislation specifies that any Bitcoin held must remain part of reserves for at least 20 years unless sold solely to reduce national debt; it also affirms Americans’ rights to own or transfer digital assets without interference from government action. Additionally, ARMA directs an official study into expanding these reserves using budget-neutral methods rather than increasing taxes or deficit spending.
Supporters argue this approach will help maintain America’s leadership position in global finance while preparing federal policy frameworks around emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies.