Anti-CBDC bill provisions remain frozen after President Donald Trump refused to sign a housing package that includes a four-year ban on a Federal Reserve digital dollar.
The move slowed crypto policy momentum, including the CLARITY Act.
Trump delays housing bill over voter ID demand
Trump said on Truth Social that the signing ceremony for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was “hereby cancelled” until Congress passes the “desperately needed” SAVE AMERICA ACT. He described the issue as a National Emergency.
The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship and photo identification for voters in federal elections. The measure has stalled in the Senate because it lacks Republican support.
Trump has anchored any bill signing to progress on the voters’ reform act. Source: Truth Social
The housing bill cleared Congress with bipartisan backing. It passed the House by 358-32 and the Senate by 85-5. Karoline Leavitt described it as “one of the most significant pieces of housing affordability legislation in American history.”
CBDC ban remains in procedural limbo
The housing package contains language barring the Federal Reserve from issuing, creating, or distributing a central bank digital currency until at least December 31, 2030. Crypto industry supporters backed the provision because it aligned with Trump’s January 2025 executive order blocking the government from developing a digital currency.
Republican lawmakers have argued that a Federal Reserve digital dollar could become a surveillance tool. Tom Emmer previously described CBDCs as a “weaponized surveillance tool.”
The CBDC provision was added after Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott negotiated with ranking member Elizabeth Warren. The effort included coordination with House Financial Services members.
Without Trump’s signature, the CBDC restriction remains tied to the unsigned housing bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the delay and said Trump was using “a little bit more” of the time available before a signing deadline. Johnson said he expected the President to act within 10 days.
NBC News reported that one unnamed House Republican called the decision “Crazy crazy crazy.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Congress could override if Trump refuses to sign. The Constitution also allows a bill to become law without the President’s signature after 10 days if Congress remains in session.
CLARITY Act timeline faces new pressure
The delay has raised concerns about the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The Senate has five weeks before summer recess, while the bill still requires negotiations and a floor vote.
Jaret Seiberg of TD Cowen wrote Wednesday that the SAVE America Act has no viable path to law because Senate Republicans would need to eliminate the filibuster. He said they had rejected that step. NBC News reported that House Republicans, led by Anna Paulina Luna, pledged to block other floor votes until the SAVE Act passes.
