US Bitcoin Reserve Bill Amended with New Audit Rules and Revised Targets
Key Facts
In a move reflecting the growing recognition of digital assets as strategic national tools, the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (ARMA) has been amended to prioritize transparency and regulatory oversight. The bill, sponsored by Representative Nick Begich with bipartisan support, maintains a minimum 20-year lockup period but now mandates third-party auditing and quarterly proof-of-reserve disclosures. According to reports, the specific target to purchase 1 million BTC has been removed from the latest draft to focus on the structural framework of the reserve.
These legislative adjustments arrive as Washington seeks to balance financial innovation with rigorous accountability, with experts noting that mandatory audits could set a new global standard for sovereign digital asset management. Compared to international precedents like El Salvador's Bitcoin policy, the ARMA bill represents a shift toward institutionalizing digital scarcity through long-term mandates rather than immediate bulk acquisitions, per market data and sector analysis.
Traders should monitor market sentiment following the removal of the explicit purchase target, with Bitcoin trading at $66,240 (close May 22, 2026). Looking at the economic calendar, the focus shifts to upcoming US Consumer Confidence data on May 26, 2026, which may impact crypto risk appetite, alongside any further Treasury comments regarding the bill's progression through Congressional committees.
Latest Updates · 4
- Notable·
Update: The bill has gained significant legislative momentum as 18 members of the US Congress joined as co-sponsors for the initiative led by Representative Matt Van Epps. This broad backing enhances the bill's prospects within congressional committees, signaling a growing consensus in Washington regarding the establishment of a strategic digital asset reserve.
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Update: The bill has gained further momentum as the number of congressional sponsors rose to 21 members, strengthening its political footing. However, market attention is shifting toward execution risks, with growing skepticism regarding a formal launch before 2027 as the upcoming November midterm elections dominate the legislative calendar.
- Notable·
Update: Additional details of the bill reveal core clauses aimed at protecting property rights and the self-custody of digital assets, strengthening legal safeguards for individual holders. Furthermore, the proposed legislation mandates periodic 'Proof of Reserve' reporting, a technical requirement designed to ensure full transparency regarding the scale and location of the strategic Bitcoin stockpile.
- Major·
Update: Additional details of the bill reveal a mandate for the Treasury to acquire up to 1,000,000 Bitcoin over a 5-year period. This ambitious plan aims to build a strategic position representing approximately 5% of the total global supply, significantly heightening the institutional impact of the proposed legislation.