U.S. Lawmakers Push for Creation of National Bitcoin Reserve Through Federal Bill

Several members of the United States Congress have officially introduced a new bill that would mandate the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve as part of federal policy. This initiative aims to elevate Bitcoin’s status as a national strategic asset, following the substantial amount of cryptocurrency seized by the government in recent years.

The bill stipulates that all Bitcoin seized by federal authorities shall be transferred into a national digital reserve, managed similarly to the country's gold and strategic petroleum reserves. In addition, the federal government would be authorized to purchase up to 200,000 BTC annually over the next five years as part of a broader strategy to diversify national assets and reduce exposure to traditional financial instruments.

Political Backing and Implementation Framework

The proposal is spearheaded by Republican lawmakers, including Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)—previously known for introducing the BITCOIN Act of 2024—and Representative Nicholas Begich (R-AK), who filed H.R.2032 on March 11, 2025. The bill is intended to provide clear legal grounds for the federal government to:

• Legally manage seized digital assets,

• Build national cold storage infrastructure, and

• Utilize funds from the Federal Reserve or auction proceeds to finance digital asset acquisitions.

Mixed Reactions and Fiscal Concerns

The proposal has sparked both support and opposition. Proponents hail it as a progressive step toward recognizing Bitcoin as "digital gold," with potential to hedge national assets against inflation and reduce long-term debt burdens. Conversely, critics—particularly economists—warn of Bitcoin’s high volatility, which may pose risks to fiscal stability if included in national reserve portfolios.

According to Reuters, the U.S. government currently holds over US$21 billion worth of seized Bitcoin. However, turning these holdings into an official reserve would require legislative approval from Congress. The legal use of funds—such as the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF)—for digital asset purchases remains a topic of ongoing legal and political debate.

Policy Direction and Next Steps

The bill signals a significant shift in the U.S. government's approach to crypto—from merely managing confiscated assets to actively and structurally maintaining digital reserves. The next phase of the proposal will depend heavily on deliberations within the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee, as well as on the positions of key stakeholders from both the traditional financial sector and the blockchain industry.