Congress Moves Forward on Housing Bill Blocking CBDC Plans

TLDR

• Senate and House leaders agreed on an updated 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
• The bill includes a provision banning the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC until Dec. 31, 2030.
• The restriction also applies to digital assets considered substantially similar to a CBDC.
• Lawmakers added a three-year sunset clause for a disaster relief program after House negotiations.
• Senator Tim Scott said the legislation aims to lower housing costs and expand housing supply.

Congressional leaders from both chambers have agreed on a revised housing package that also blocks a U.S. central bank digital currency until 2030. The updated legislation combines housing affordability measures with a provision restricting the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC. Senate and House leaders released the bipartisan agreement on Tuesday and prepared the bill for procedural votes.

Lawmakers Advance Housing Package After Bipartisan Agreement

Senator Tim Scott, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative French Hill, and Representative Maxine Waters released the revised bill on Tuesday. The agreement updates the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and reflects negotiations between both chambers.

The legislation aims to increase housing supply and lower barriers to homeownership. It also seeks to limit market concentration by large corporate landlords and support affordability efforts.

Lawmakers added a three-year sunset provision for a disaster relief program. The change addressed concerns raised during House negotiations and helped secure broader support.

He also urged lawmakers to move the legislation forward.

CBDC Provision Blocks Federal Reserve Action Until 2030

The revised legislation includes language restricting the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a CBDC. The restriction would remain in place until Dec. 31, 2030.

The provision also covers any digital asset considered substantially similar to a CBDC. House Republicans supported adding the language during negotiations over the broader housing package.

The inclusion of the CBDC measure places digital asset policy inside a housing bill. However, lawmakers often attach separate policy priorities to larger legislative packages.

Journalist Eleanor Terrett previously reported Republican efforts to include the anti-CBDC language. The final text now reflects those efforts within the bipartisan agreement.

The Trump administration has also expressed opposition to a CBDC. Last month, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said CBDCs remain “off the table” under the administration’s approach.

Bessent also said the administration would focus on advancing the digital asset-focused Clarity Act. His remarks aligned with the administration’s existing position on digital asset regulation.

Senate Vote Scheduled Before House Consideration

The updated bill now moves to the Senate for its first procedural vote. According to Politico, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expects lawmakers to begin that process soon.

If the Senate advances the legislation, the House would hold another vote. Lawmakers reportedly plan to vote shortly after returning from recess around June 23.

The measure could then move to the president for final approval. Congressional leaders released the updated text Tuesday as they prepared the next legislative steps.

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