TLDR

• The U.S. Senate passed the housing bill in an 89 to 10 bipartisan vote.
• The bill blocks the Federal Reserve from issuing CBDCs until at least 2030.
• The measure prohibits the Fed from creating a digital dollar directly or through intermediaries.
• Lawmakers included the CBDC ban in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
• House members signaled they may seek changes before advancing the bill.

The U.S. Senate approved a housing bill that bars the Federal Reserve from issuing a digital dollar. Lawmakers passed the measure in an 89-10 bipartisan vote and attached the CBDC ban to the broader package. However, House lawmakers signaled they may challenge parts of the bill and delay its path forward.

Senate Blocks CBDCs Through 2030 in Housing Package

The Senate inserted language that blocks the Federal Reserve from issuing CBDCs until at least 2030. Lawmakers placed the provision in the final section of the 302-page 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The text states that the Fed may not create a central bank digital currency directly or indirectly.

The bill also bars the Fed from issuing any digital asset that resembles a central bank digital currency. It prohibits issuance through financial institutions or other intermediaries. As a result, the measure restricts both direct and indirect government-backed digital dollar efforts.

Republican lawmakers have long opposed CBDCs and have pushed to prevent their launch. However, the U.S. government has only studied digital dollar models and has not launched a token. Other jurisdictions, including China, continue to pursue central bank digital currencies.

Digital Chamber CEO Cody Carbone welcomed the Senate vote. He said, “Financial privacy is a cornerstone of American freedom.” He added that Congress and the public must decide on any authorization of a central bank digital currency.

Carbone also stated that digital innovation should remain private sector-led. He said the Senate reinforced the need to protect individual liberty. His comments followed the overwhelming bipartisan approval in the chamber.

House Review and Political Conditions Create Uncertainty

House lawmakers have indicated they may seek revisions to the Senate’s housing bill. Some members oppose provisions that limit how many homes large investors can own. The bill requires private equity firms and other large buyers to reduce their housing holdings.

The Senate measure targets institutional investors that control large housing inventories. Lawmakers aim to expand home access by capping ownership levels. However, the House may demand changes before advancing the legislation.

President Donald Trump has supported efforts to increase housing availability. He has also backed limits on large investors purchasing single-family homes. This overlap places him in partial agreement with some Democratic lawmakers.

However, Trump recently stated he will not sign legislation without new voter identification requirements. He said Congress must pass a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voters. This condition applies to legislation tied to this year’s midterm elections.

The demand for voter identification legislation adds complexity to the housing bill’s progress. Lawmakers must reconcile differences between the chambers before sending the bill to the president. Meanwhile, the Senate version includes the CBDC ban through 2030 as written.

Separately, Congress continues work on crypto legislation. Lawmakers are also reviewing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The housing bill’s next steps now depend on House consideration and potential revisions.