The US Congress has introduced HR 5166, a bill directing the Treasury Department to develop a comprehensive custody and management plan for federal Bitcoin holdings. This legislation establishes a framework for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, treating digital assets similarly to traditional strategic commodities like gold or oil. Notably, the bill does not authorize new Bitcoin purchases but focuses on safeguarding existing and future seized assets.
The Treasury must produce a feasibility report within 90 days of enactment, covering custody systems, cybersecurity protocols, legal frameworks, and interagency coordination. Additionally, Section 138 requires a detailed plan for all federal digital assets, including the Bitcoin Reserve and broader Digital Asset Stockpile. A classified report on digital asset security from the Treasury and NSA is also mandated.
This initiative builds on President Trump's March 2025 executive order that created a reserve framework funded by seized Bitcoin. The US currently holds 198,000–207,000 BTC (valued at $17–20 billion), marking a shift from previous policies of auctioning seized assets. Parallel efforts include Senator Lummis' more ambitious BITCOIN Act, proposing to acquire 1 million BTC over five years using proceeds from gold certificate sales.
Globally, 16+ countries are exploring Bitcoin reserves, with national holdings exceeding 517,000 BTC (2.46% of total supply). China holds ~194,000 BTC (mostly from PlusToken seizures), Bhutan maintains ~11,000 BTC (≈30% of GDP), and El Salvador retains ~6,000 BTC despite revoking legal tender status. Kazakhstan and the Philippines are recently advancing reserve proposals.
At the state level, 16 US states have introduced Bitcoin reserve legislation in 2025, with Texas establishing its reserve via SB 21. Representative David Joyce emphasized the bill ensures fiscal responsibility, technological leverage, and national security focus.
