In brief
- House conservatives pushed to fold a CBDC ban into the housing package rather than advance it as standalone crypto legislation.
- The White House formally backed the bill after the Senate vote, saying President Trump would pass the bill in its current form should it hit his desk.
- Fed officials have previously said any U.S. CBDC would require explicit congressional approval and remains exploratory.
The U.S. Senate moved forward Monday on a sweeping bipartisan housing package that includes a provision barring the issuance of a central bank digital currency, an unusual pairing that has pulled digital-asset policy into a debate traditionally focused on housing supply and affordability.
Lawmakers voted 84–6 to advance the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, according to Semafor’s congressional bureau chief, Burgess Everett.
It’s a compromise measure that combines long-standing housing initiatives with provisions sought by House Republicans, including a prohibition on a Federal Reserve–issued digital dollar through the end of 2030.
The CBDC language appears in a standalone section of the bill, embedding limits on a U.S. digital dollar in a major housing vehicle rather than standalone crypto legislation.
“The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal Reserve Bank may not issue or create a central bank digital currency, or any digital asset substantially similar to a central bank digital currency, either directly or indirectly through a financial institution or other intermediary,” a copy of the bill’s text reads.
The provision was reportedly added at the urging of House conservatives, who had pressed leadership to secure a CBDC ban as part of earlier compromises on crypto-related measures.
The White House quickly issued a statement backing the legislation, highlighting both its housing affordability provisions and the CBDC restriction in an unusual step for Democrats, who have generally resisted efforts to pre-emptively bar the Federal Reserve from studying or developing a digital dollar.
“If the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6644 were presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law,” according to a screenshot of a White House statement provided by senior reporter and co-author of PunchbowlNews 's VAULT, Brendan Pedersen.
Federal Reserve officials have previously said the central bank would not issue a CBDC without explicit authorization from Congress, and policymakers have framed ongoing work as exploratory rather than a commitment to launch a digital currency.
Housing advocates have focused on the bill’s expansive scope, which includes measures to boost housing supply, limit institutional ownership of single-family homes, and streamline development and financing programs.
But the inclusion of digital-currency policy has drawn fresh attention from financial and technology circles, where debates over privacy, surveillance, and the role of government in payments remain unsettled.
The bill must still be reconciled with the House before reaching the president’s desk, and it remains unclear whether the CBDC provision will survive final negotiations intact.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Thailand's crypto platform freezes over 10,000 accounts; slowdown mechanism combats money laundering and illicit activities
Thai digital asset providers have launched a "slowdown" mechanism, freezing over 10,000 suspicious crypto accounts to combat money laundering activities. This mechanism implements a 24-hour lock on transfers exceeding 50,000 Thai Baht and requires additional identity verification. While regulatory safeguards have been strengthened, the transaction experience for compliant users has been affected. Providers are also advancing cooperation with law enforcement agencies and implementing the travel rule, facing challenges due to inconsistent global enforcement.
MarketWhisper8m ago
South Korea's crypto regulatory signals strengthen: selling Bitcoin, restricting stablecoin investments, and setting limits on exchange equity
South Korea has recently introduced three digital asset policies, involving Bitcoin disposal, stablecoin investment, and restrictions on exchange equity holdings. The rapid liquidation of Bitcoin by judicial authorities has attracted attention, while restrictions on stablecoin investments and proposals to limit shareholder ownership ratios have sparked controversy. The market interprets these as regulatory tightening, and the future policy direction remains to be seen.
GateNews9m ago
A certain CEX Chief Legal Officer questions the CLARITY Act amendment: Lack of evidence supporting the risk of deposit outflows
On March 11,, CEX Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal questioned the proposed amendments to the CLARITY Act on the X platform, pointing out that the banks' claims about the risks of deposit outflows lack evidence and could harm retail investors' interests. Meanwhile, Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the U.S. Digital Asset Advisory Committee, emphasized that the bill should continue to support innovation and oppose turning it into an anti-competition law.
GateNews10m ago
Jake Paul boxing match bans Bitcoin logos, Netflix's double standards spark controversy
During the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua boxing match, Netflix requested that boxer Justin Cardona remove his Bitcoin sponsorship logo one week before the event but allowed exposure through a betting platform. The incident highlights the contradictions in Netflix's sponsorship guidelines and raises questions and reflections on Bitcoin sponsorships in sports. As a result, Cardona suffered financial losses and his training plans were disrupted.
MarketWhisper41m ago
TD Cowen: The U.S. may permanently ban CBDC, with the real estate amendment becoming a key factor
According to analysis, the U.S. Congress may push for a permanent ban on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC). Senator Cruz has introduced an amendment to turn the temporary ban into a permanent one. This move reduces concerns about the Federal Reserve issuing digital dollars and benefits the stablecoin market. However, the ban could become an obstacle to advancing the CLARITY Act, lowering its priority.
MarketWhisper1h ago
Three measures in one week in South Korea raise concerns: selling Bitcoin, excluding stablecoins, and restricting exchange shareholdings
South Korea has recently introduced three cryptocurrency policies: the sale of 320.88 Bitcoins, the exemption of stablecoins (USDT and USDC) from corporate investment guidelines, and a 34% ownership cap for exchange shareholders. These measures have raised concerns in the market about the direction of regulation. While each measure has reasonable explanations, the cumulative effect could impact market confidence, especially during this sensitive period when new regulations are pending.
MarketWhisper2h ago
