Why is the US Bitcoin Reserve Changing its Name?

TLDR

• Rep. Nick Begich plans to reintroduce the Bitcoin Reserve bill under the name American Reserves Modernization Act.
• The bill would seek to codify President Trump’s executive order on permanent federal Bitcoin holdings.
• The earlier BITCOIN Act proposed acquiring one million Bitcoin over five years through budget-neutral methods.
• ARMA would direct federal agencies to identify and custody Bitcoin already held by the government.
• The proposal would require long-term holding of Bitcoin as part of a strategic reserve framework

Rep. Nick Begich is preparing to reintroduce legislation aimed at establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve in the United States, with the bill expected to return under a new name: the American Reserves Modernization Act, or ARMA.

The Alaska Republican said the measure is intended to place Bitcoin within the country’s long-term reserve framework and give Congress a formal role in preserving federal Bitcoin holdings. The proposal builds on President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the creation of permanent Bitcoin reserves, a policy designed to treat the asset in a manner comparable to gold reserves.

Begich previously introduced the legislation as the BITCOIN Act with Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. The earlier version proposed acquiring one million Bitcoin over five years through budget-neutral methods, while also creating rules for federal custody and long-term retention.

ARMA Name Aims to Broaden Legislative Support

The rebranded bill follows discussions with the House Financial Services Committee, where lawmakers have been considering how to present the measure to a wider group of members. Begich said the new name is intended to clarify that the bill is focused on reserve modernization rather than only digital asset policy.

The legislation would seek to identify Bitcoin already held by federal agencies and place those holdings under a structured custody system. Begich said the goal is to manage federal bitcoin in a responsible manner consistent with its proposed reserve status.

While updates have been made to the bill, Begich did not provide full details on the revised text. He said the measure would require Bitcoin to be held for an extended period, limiting the ability of future officials to sell or move the asset without congressional direction.

Bill Would Codify Trump Bitcoin Reserve Order

ARMA is designed to turn the Trump administration’s executive action into law. Executive orders can be changed by later administrations, while legislation passed by Congress would create a more durable legal structure for a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Begich framed the bill as a way for Congress to set federal policy before a future administration takes a different position on Bitcoin or digital assets. He said lawmakers have an opportunity to preserve the current policy direction through statute.

The proposal would also address federal agency holdings, including Bitcoin obtained through seizures or other government actions. By placing those assets within a reserve structure, the bill would seek to prevent short-term liquidation and establish clearer custody standards.

Bitcoin Reserve Debate Moves Back to Congress

The planned reintroduction comes as digital asset policy remains active in Washington. Supporters of a strategic Bitcoin reserve argue that the United States should retain Bitcoin as part of its national reserve strategy, while critics have raised questions about volatility, custody, and the role of a decentralized asset in federal holdings.

The earlier BITCOIN Act drew attention for its proposal to acquire one million Bitcoin over five years without adding new direct costs to the federal budget. The updated ARMA text is expected to keep the reserve concept at its center, though the final version may include changes aimed at gaining broader support.

Begich and Lummis have been among the lawmakers most closely associated with Bitcoin reserve legislation. Their renewed push places the proposal back before Congress at a time when federal digital asset policy is becoming more closely linked to questions of national reserves, financial infrastructure, and long-term asset management.

The bill is expected to be reintroduced in the coming weeks. Its progress will depend on committee review, support from House and Senate members, and the broader debate over whether Bitcoin should become a permanent reserve asset of the United States government.

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