Washington Eyes Bitcoin Reserve Launch
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) says the United States could begin funding a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) “anytime,” even without new congressional appropriations. Her comments, shared Tuesday on X, point to growing executive support for treating Bitcoin as a national asset.
The momentum follows President Donald Trump’s March executive order calling for a “digital asset stockpile” anchored by Bitcoin. The order directed the Treasury and Commerce Departments to explore ways to build the reserve without relying on taxpayer dollars. It suggested using Bitcoin already held by the federal government—often seized in criminal or civil cases—as a starting point, describing the SBR as a modern “digital Fort Knox.”
Executive Framework Moves Ahead
While an executive plan exists, several operational questions remain. The Federal Reserve has stated it cannot hold Bitcoin directly without changes to existing law. As a result, custody and oversight would likely fall under the Treasury Department or another executive branch entity.
Lummis and her House allies are working on legislation to formalize the SBR, defining how future purchases should occur. However, she acknowledged that the “legislative slog” continues even as the administration looks for ways to move forward through budget-neutral channels.
Broader Political and Market Momentum
Support for a Bitcoin reserve is spreading in Congress. Representative Nick Begich (R-Alaska) recently endorsed the idea of diversifying the U.S. balance sheet with Bitcoin. He noted that while passing such measures remains uncertain, proposals could eventually scale government holdings.
Market analysts share the growing optimism. Galaxy Digital’s head of research, Alex Thorn, said there is a “strong chance” the government could formalize an SBR by the end of the year. His view echoes the sentiment of digital asset investors tracking policy signals out of Washington.
If the administration begins funding through seized assets or executive mechanisms, it would mark the first step toward integrating digital assets into U.S. reserve strategy. The effort will test systems for custody, auditing, and risk management.
Key questions remain: Will Congress ultimately codify the program? And how will Treasury structure acquisitions to limit market disruption? The answers could determine whether the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve becomes a symbolic gesture—or a long-term force in the Bitcoin market.
