The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a wide-ranging housing package that includes a provision prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) through 2030. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Four-Year CBDC Ban Tucked Into Housing Bill
The legislation embeds a temporary CBDC moratorium within a broader housing measure. If enacted, the provision would bar the Federal Reserve from launching or issuing a U.S. CBDC until 2030, delaying any potential rollout for several years.
Next Steps
With House approval secured, the bill moves to the White House. If signed by the president, the prohibition would become law, constraining any near-term effort by the central bank to introduce a digital dollar.
Why It Matters for Crypto and Payments
CBDCs are digital forms of sovereign currency issued by central banks. Proponents argue they could modernize payments and expand financial access, while critics raise concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the impact on commercial banks and private payment providers.
A federal pause on a U.S. CBDC would keep the policy focus on existing payment systems and privately issued digital assets, including stablecoins, while extending the debate over design, consumer protections, and civil liberties into the next decade.
Key Points
- Bill: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
- Provision: Prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC through 2030
- Status: Passed by the House; sent to President Donald Trump for signature