Bitcoin's Strategic Push for a National Digital Reserve Gathers Momentum

U.S. lawmakers and industry executives convened in Washington, D.C., to discuss the Bitcoin Act—a federal proposal that aims to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) to diversify the U.S. financial portfolio. The bill, introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), was highlighted in a congressional roundtable on September 16, 2025, where 18 representatives from the crypto sector, including MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor and Bitmine’s Tom Lee, provided insights on the initiative.

The Bitcoin Act mandates the acquisition of one million Bitcoin units over a five-year period, with the goal of holding the digital assets in secure cold storage for at least two decades. The funding for the purchase is expected to be sourced from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve, with the stipulation that the initiative must remain budget-neutral, avoiding any additional burden on taxpayers. This aligns with President Trump’s March 2025 executive order, which emphasized the strategic value of Bitcoin as a store of value and directed the Treasury to develop a national digital asset stockpile.

The proposed reserve would mirror traditional holdings such as gold, with a limited supply and long-term preservation in mind. The initiative represents a shift in public policy, moving away from previous practices of auctioning seized Bitcoin toward building a reserve that could serve as a long-term hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The bill further includes provisions for public reporting and oversight to ensure transparency in the management of the reserve.

At the state level, several jurisdictions, including New Hampshire, Arizona, and Texas, have already taken steps to establish their own SBRs. New Hampshire’s HB 302 authorizes the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of public funds in Bitcoin and other large-cap digital assets, while Arizona and Texas have passed laws to create state-managed reserves with specific custodial and reporting requirements. These state-level actions have set the stage for broader federal adoption and could influence the trajectory of the national reserve.

Industry participants at the congressional meeting emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework that supports responsible investment and secure custody of digital assets. They also raised questions about the slow progress of the Bitcoin Act in Congress, highlighting concerns over political opposition and regulatory uncertainty. With both parties advancing separate legislative proposals—Republicans pushing the Clarity Act and Democrats outlining a seven-pillar market structure framework—the path to a unified U.S. crypto regulatory system remains uncertain.

The ongoing political and legislative developments reflect a growing recognition of Bitcoin’s strategic financial role. While the potential for economic diversification is widely acknowledged, risks such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, legal challenges over asset seizure, and market volatility remain significant concerns. As the U.S. government moves forward with these initiatives, the balance between innovation, regulation, and public accountability will shape the future of digital assets in the national financial strategy.