Lawmakers in Washington have tasked the US Treasury Department with delivering a comprehensive report on establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, as outlined in bill HR 1566.
This move is part of the broader government appropriations process for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
Bill mandates detailed bitcoin reserve study
The legislation directs Treasury officials to assess the feasibility of creating both a strategic Bitcoin reserve and a broader digital asset stockpile.
A key focus is understanding how these reserves would interact with the existing Forfeiture Fund, which currently manages assets seized by federal agencies.
Reporting requirements and security
The bill requires the Treasury to clarify how bitcoin and other digital assets would be represented on the federal balance sheet, provide details on custody arrangements, and address cybersecurity protections.
Lawmakers also want to know which third-party contractors could be responsible for asset custody, and what legal authorities would underpin such a reserve.
The goal is to ensure any reserve is secure and operationally sound.
The findings must be presented to relevant House and Senate committees within 90 days of the bill’s enactment, signaling a sense of urgency from lawmakers.
Ongoing efforts and legislative context
HR 1566 builds on previous initiatives aimed at formalizing a US bitcoin reserve policy.
Earlier in the year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order considering such a reserve, but an implementation timeline remains unclear.
Additional legislation, such as the BITCOIN Act introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis, has also been proposed, though it has yet to pass Congress.
Industry awaits clear direction
The lack of a defined framework has contributed to uncertainty among market participants regarding how the government will treat digital reserves.
As the 90-day deadline approaches, industry observers are closely watching for clarity on the US government’s approach to bitcoin as a strategic asset.
