Congressman Nick Begich Leads Legislation to Establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 21, 2026 - Today, Congressman Nick Begich (AK-AL), alongside co-lead Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (ARMA), landmark bipartisan legislation to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and modernize how the United States manages digital reserve assets.

Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Representatives Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), Ben Cline (VA-06), Barry Moore (AL-01), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Mike Carey (OH-15), Mike Collins (GA-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Riley Moore (WV-02), Tim Moore (NC-14), Abraham J. Hamadeh (AZ-08), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Dave Taylor (OH-02), and Matt Van Epps (TN-07).

"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."

"The age of digital finance is here, and for the United States to continue leading as the premier economy in the world, innovation and strategic investment are required," said Congressman Buddy Carter. "I support the American Reserve Modernization Act because, by stockpiling Bitcoin, the United States strategically positions itself in both traditional and emerging financial markets, creating a security blanket against economic uncertainty while strengthening our long-term competitiveness on the world stage."

"Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is long overdue. Consolidating the Federal Government's holdings of Bitcoin and other digital assets will empower us to harness these assets for American prosperity. That's why I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Begich's American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA)," said Congressman Matt Van Epps. "In addition to establishing a reserve, this legislation promotes transparency by improving the security and oversight of Bitcoin held in the reserve. More importantly, the reserve would be established without cost to American taxpayers, while any sale of Bitcoin would only be for the purposes of reducing our national debt. With a national debt of $39 trillion, this is an essential piece of legislation."

"Washington has ignored the reality that digital assets are becoming a major part of the global economy while countries like China move aggressively to gain an advantage," said Congressman Barry Moore. "The American Reserve Modernization Act is about putting America first by ensuring the United States remains the financial capital of the world, protects taxpayers, and strengthens our economic security. We should be leading the future of finance - not letting foreign adversaries write the rules while bureaucrats in Washington drag their feet. I want to thank Congressman Nick Begich for his leadership on this important legislation, and I am proud to join this fight to ensure America remains the global leader in innovation and economic strength."

"Washington cannot keep pretending Bitcoin does not exist, only to inevitably realize this is not a passing trend. Americans are already using digital assets, global markets are already adapting, and our adversaries are moving," said Congressman Burgess Owens. "The American Reserve Modernization Act ensures the United States approaches this reality from a position of strength, leadership, and long-term strategic thinking."

"The American Reserve Modernization Act ensures that the United States remains a leader in the future of finance," said Congressman Mike Carey. "As digital assets continue to grow in importance globally, we need a clear and responsible approach that strengthens America's long-term economic position and keeps us competitive on the world stage. I would like to thank Congressman Begich for his leadership on this legislation, and am proud to join him in this effort."

"America should not be selling off strategic digital assets. We should be securing them for the future. This bill takes a long-term approach by requiring the United States to responsibly hold Bitcoin as part of a modern reserve strategy," said Congressman Mike Rulli. "I want to thank Congressman Begich for introducing the American Reserve Modernization Act and for recognizing the strategic importance of digital assets to our economic and national security. This legislation is about keeping the United States competitive, strengthening our financial future, and ensuring America remains the global leader in innovation."

"Bitcoin and other strategic digital assets are an increasingly important part of the global economy. America must lead," said Congressman Riley Moore. "I'm proud to join Congressman Nick Begich as an original co-sponsor of the American Reserve Modernization Act to help codify President Trump's strategic vision for Bitcoin and ensure the United States remains the world's dominant economic power. Establishing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset strengthens our financial future, promotes innovation, and helps secure America's competitive edge against foreign adversaries."

"The United States government already holds billions in seized Bitcoin with no coherent strategy for managing it, and that needs to change," said Congressman Pat Harrigan. "I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Congressman Begich's American Reserve Modernization Act, which establishes that framework. Bitcoin is the digital equivalent of gold, and just as gold reserves have anchored American financial security for generations, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve positions the United States at the forefront of 21st century finance, with full transparency, rigorous oversight, and a clear mandate to lead rather than watch from the sidelines."

BACKGROUND:

The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 establishes a secure Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, alongside a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for federally held non-Bitcoin digital assets. The legislation consolidates the custody and management of digital assets held across federal agencies under the Treasury to ensure secure stewardship, transparency, and consistent oversight of taxpayer-owned assets acquired through forfeitures, penalties, and other lawful government proceedings.

This legislation positions the United States as a leader in responsible digital asset custody while creating a long-term framework for the secure management of strategic digital reserves. The legislation requires all federal agencies to provide a full accounting of digital assets currently held or controlled by the federal government and establishes robust transparency measures, including quarterly public "Proof of Reserve" reports, independent third-party audits, and congressional oversight.

To reinforce the strategic nature of the reserve, the bill requires Bitcoin held in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to be maintained for a minimum of 20 years. The bill also protects Americans' digital property rights by affirming that the federal government may not impair the lawful right of individuals to own, transfer, or self-custody digital assets. Additionally, the legislation directs a study on budget-neutral acquisition strategies to evaluate lawful methods for expanding strategic reserves without increasing taxes, deficit spending, or the national debt.

The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 builds upon ongoing congressional efforts to modernize federal digital asset policy and establish durable protections for the responsible management of strategic digital assets.

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