U.S. Representative Nick Begich is set to reintroduce a Bitcoin reserve bill under a new name, the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA), aiming to broaden bipartisan support and clarify the proposal's intent. The bill, previously known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve legislation, has been filed as H.R. 2032 in the 119th Congress.
The core goal of the ARMA remains unchanged: to treat Bitcoin as a reserve asset for the United States. The name change is a strategic move to help Congress and the public understand the bill's purpose, moving away from the polarizing term “Bitcoin” in the title. Begich stated, “The name change is crucial. It helps Congress and the public understand the bill’s true intent. The original title caused confusion. Many lawmakers did not grasp the concept of a digital asset reserve.”
The new name, American Reserve Modernization Act, sounds more traditional and aligns with existing financial terminology. The bill follows President Trump's March 2025 executive order that established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, which the legislation seeks to codify into law. Begich and Senator Cynthia Lummis previously introduced what was known as the Bitcoin Act, which laid the groundwork for a federal Bitcoin reserve framework.
Key provisions expected in the updated bill include a long-term holding requirement that would prevent the government from selling Bitcoin quickly, likely for a period of five to ten years. Other anticipated elements include purchase authorization for the Treasury Department using existing funds, secure storage in cold wallets, and regular audits for transparency. The bill does not mandate a specific purchase amount, allowing the government flexibility to act when market conditions favor acquisition.
Financial analysts have reacted positively, viewing the rebranding as a smart political move that could attract support from moderate lawmakers. If passed, a US government purchase of Bitcoin would be historic, potentially validating the asset class on a global scale. However, the legislative process faces significant challenges, including skepticism from both parties regarding environmental impact and free-market principles. The bill needs committee approval and a majority vote in the House, with the Senate presenting an even bigger hurdle.
The reintroduction signals that a strategic Bitcoin reserve remains an active item on the U.S. policy agenda. The broader trend of corporate Bitcoin accumulation at scale, such as Strive's $61 million BTC treasury expansion, adds private-sector context to the federal reserve debate. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it interacts with other digital asset legislation moving through Congress.
