An amendment to a Senate housing bill proposes prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency until the end of 2030. The provision, included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, would bar the Fed and regional Reserve banks from creating a CBDC either directly or indirectly through financial intermediaries.
The language revives elements of earlier standalone proposals aimed at blocking a digital dollar, which previously stalled in Congress. The amendment includes a sunset clause set to expire on December 31, 2030, requiring new legislation to extend the restriction. It also clarifies that dollar-denominated stablecoins would not fall under the prohibition.
The move highlights ongoing US policy debate over privacy, financial stability, and the role of digital currency in the banking system. While several major economies are piloting or researching CBDCs, US lawmakers remain divided on whether a Federal Reserve-issued digital dollar is necessary or appropriate.
