US Congress Bans CBDCs Until 2030 Amid Housing Reform
By John Nada·Jun 24, 2026·4 min read
US Congress passes a housing bill banning CBDCs until 2030, marking a political win for Republicans and setting the stage for stablecoin discussions.
“Today, Congress delivered a major win for families working toward the American Dream,” proclaimed Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott. He was celebrating the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a sweeping legislation that includes an unexpected ban on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) until the end of the decade. The bill, now on its way to President Trump's desk, has been a point of contention for years.
The act, passed overwhelmingly by both the House (358-32) and Senate (85-5), primarily targets housing affordability issues, but the inclusion of the CBDC ban marks a significant victory for Republicans. They've long argued that CBDCs could centralize control over money, going against the grain of decentralized digital assets. This legislative move prevents the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing digital currencies akin to CBDCs until December 31, 2030, according to Cointelegraph.
CBDCs represent a digital form of fiat currency issued by a central bank, and their implementation has been a topic of debate among lawmakers and financial experts. Critics argue that CBDCs could lead to increased government surveillance and control over personal financial transactions. This concern is particularly resonant among Republican lawmakers and crypto advocates who view digital currencies as tools for financial freedom and privacy.
The language used in the housing bill to ban CBDCs was resurrected from the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, introduced by Republican Representative Tom Emmer in 2025. While that bill initially passed the House, it stalled in the Senate, indicating the divisive nature of CBDC policy. Its revival in the current legislation underscores the persistent opposition from certain political factions to centralized digital currencies.
The quick passage of the housing bill was facilitated by a compromise between House and Senate leaders, resolving earlier disagreements over various aspects of the legislation. This swift legislative action reflects the urgency of addressing housing affordability issues, a critical concern for many American families.
In addition to the CBDC ban, the bill includes a provision allowing for the continued use of crypto stablecoins, provided they are "open, permissionless and private." This carve-out signals a nuanced approach to digital currency regulation, acknowledging the potential benefits of stablecoins while maintaining a cautious stance on CBDCs.
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Crypto advocates have watched these developments with keen interest. While the ban limits CBDC developments, it signals an openness to stablecoins, possibly offering a way forward for digital currency integration that respects privacy and decentralization.
As this chapter closes, Congress turns its attention to other pressing legislative matters. One such piece is the CLARITY Act, focused on crypto market structure. Despite advocacy from various lawmakers and industry lobbyists, its passage remains uncertain. As of earlier this month, Galaxy Digital suggested only a 60% likelihood of the bill passing this year, highlighting the challenging legislative landscape as the congressional calendar tightens.
The CLARITY Act aims to provide clearer regulatory guidelines for the burgeoning crypto market, a sector that has seen rapid growth and innovation but also faces regulatory ambiguity. The bill's progression has been hampered by differing viewpoints on how best to balance innovation with consumer protection and financial stability.
The housing bill's passage and the CBDC ban represent a significant moment in the ongoing debate over digital currencies in the United States. The decision to delay the adoption of CBDCs suggests a cautious approach to new financial technologies, prioritizing privacy and decentralization over centralized control.
This legislative development is likely to have ripple effects across the financial ecosystem, influencing future discussions on digital currency policy and regulation. It also raises questions about the role of the Federal Reserve and other central banks in the digital age and how they will adapt to the changing landscape of global finance.
As the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act makes its way to President Trump's desk, all eyes will be on the administration's response and the potential implications for the future of digital currencies in the U.S. The expected signing of the bill into law will mark a milestone in the country's digital currency policy, setting the stage for further debates and developments in the years to come.