Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska) is reintroducing legislation to codify the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), aiming to transform it from a passive holding mechanism into an active accumulation strategy. This proposed American Reserves Modernization Act, or ARMA, could significantly alter Bitcoin's supply dynamics and its standing as a sovereign reserve asset, marking a pivotal shift in how the US government approaches digital assets.
Currently, the SBR, established by President Trump's Executive Order 14233 in March 2025, primarily retains Bitcoin seized through criminal and civil forfeitures. While the order allowed officials to explore "budget-neutral" accumulation strategies, the reserve largely functions as an administrative framework for existing government-held Bitcoin. ARMA seeks to move beyond this, proposing a congressionally approved legal mandate for the Treasury to acquire up to 200,000 BTC annually for five years. These holdings would be locked for a minimum of 20 years, disposable only to reduce federal debt.
The timing of Begich's announcement on April 27, 2026, is particularly notable. It coincided with Patrick Witt, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, indicating a "major announcement" from the White House regarding the reserve within a similar timeframe. This coordinated push underscores a growing bipartisan interest in formalizing Bitcoin's role within US financial strategy, bridging the gap between its current ad-hoc status and a more structured, durable policy.
Should ARMA pass, the implications for Bitcoin's market structure are substantial. An annual demand of 200,000 BTC from the US Treasury would represent a significant new buy-side pressure, potentially tightening available supply over a five-year horizon. This shift from passive retention to aggressive accumulation would also bolster Bitcoin's narrative as a legitimate, durable reserve asset for nation-states, potentially accelerating broader sovereign adoption. The previous iteration, the BITCOIN Act, introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo) in 2024, laid the groundwork for this legislative ambition.
Traders should monitor developments closely. The White House's upcoming announcement could provide initial clarity on operational details or "budget-neutral" accumulation strategies for the existing reserve. However, the true long-term impact hinges on ARMA's legislative progress through Congress, a process that will define Bitcoin's future role in US policy beyond any single administration and establish a durable, legally mandated framework for its strategic integration.
US Bill Targets Active Bitcoin Accumulation, Codifies Reserve
Congressman Begich plans to reintroduce the BITCOIN Act as ARMA, aiming to codify the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve into law and shift it from passive retention to active government accumulation. This move could significantly impact Bitcoin's supply dynamics and its status as a reserve asset.