Recently, Representative Matt Van Epps took a significant step in advancing the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026. He articulated the importance of this legislation not merely as an abstract measure of national security, but as a reflection of the evolving economic landscape in his district.
“The emergence of Nashville as a key Bitcoin hub, bolstered by a vibrant digital asset community and notable events like the annual Bitcoin conference, underscores the need for legislative support,” Van Epps expressed. “Endorsing this bill signifies an acknowledgment of the financial innovation transpiring within my district.”
For the freshman congressman representing Tennessee’s 7th District, who is also a West Point alumnus and a former combat helicopter pilot, this legislation is deeply personal. In his perspective, the bill encapsulates the current economic identity of his district.
Van Epps co-led this initiative with Representative Nick Begich (R-AK), the introducer of the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026, commonly referred to as ARMA. This legislation aims to codify President Trump’s executive order from March 2025, which established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, thereby granting it statutory authority rather than leaving it subject to future administrative discretion.
The reserve would be managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, storing Bitcoin that has been forfeited through federal law enforcement actions and civil penalties.
Van Epps underscores the fiscal rationale behind the proposed legislation. “Given the national debt of $39 trillion, this legislation is vital,” he remarked. Under ARMA, any future sale of Bitcoin from the reserve would be strictly allocated for one purpose: the reduction of national debt. This stipulation prohibits transfers to other governmental programs or discretionary spending—focusing solely on debt alleviation. He emphasized that the establishment of the reserve would incur no cost to American taxpayers.
The bill also delineates property rights assertively. Both Van Epps and Begich have included provisions that reinforce the federal government’s non-interference in an individual’s right to own, transfer, or self-custody digital assets. This aspect reflects a libertarian ethos prevalent among many members of the pro-Bitcoin caucus within Congress.
Van Epps: Bitcoin as a Solution to U.S. Challenges
Beyond considerations of portfolio management, Van Epps posits that the reserve could address significant national issues, with national debt being a primary concern. He believes that Bitcoin’s fixed supply and potential for appreciation provide the United States with a strategic advantage that traditional reserves cannot offer.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Bitcoin in the reserve be held for a minimum of 20 years, a measure intended to remove the asset from short-term political influences and position it as a long-term fiscal strategy.
The legislation also mandates quarterly public Proof of Reserve reports and independent third-party audits to enhance transparency, a feature currently absent from the executive order.
The proposal has garnered support from eighteen original co-sponsors across nine states. However, the Senate presents more formidable challenges, as competing cryptocurrency legislation is currently under committee review, casting uncertainty on the road to acquiring the necessary 60 votes.
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