U.S. lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement on a sweeping housing bill that includes a temporary ban on the creation of a central bank digital currency, or CBDC, through the end of the decade. The updated “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” was unveiled jointly by Senators Scott and Warren, along with Representatives Hill and Waters.
The proposal would prohibit the Federal Reserve from developing or issuing a CBDC, or any digital asset deemed “substantially similar,” until December 31, 2030. The measure is embedded in a broader housing package aimed at increasing supply and reducing market concentration among large property owners.
Path to passage gains momentum
The legislation is scheduled for an initial procedural vote in the Senate before moving to the House for final consideration after lawmakers return from recess on June 23. If approved by both chambers, it will be sent to the president for signature later in the month.
Lawmakers resolved earlier disagreements by adding a three-year sunset clause to a disaster relief program, a change that helped secure bipartisan and bicameral backing, according to congressional aides.
The bill builds on strong prior support, with earlier versions passing the Senate 89-10 and the House 396-13, signaling a clear path forward for the combined housing and digital currency provisions.
CBDC restriction reflects broader policy strategy
The inclusion of the CBDC ban highlights a common legislative strategy of attaching secondary policy priorities to larger, must-pass bills. Republican lawmakers had pushed for restrictions on a digital dollar during committee discussions earlier this year.
Current administration officials have also signaled opposition to issuing a U.S. CBDC. Treasury Secretary Bessent recently reaffirmed that such a proposal is not part of the federal policy agenda, emphasizing support for alternative digital asset reforms instead.
Concerns among some lawmakers center on the potential for government oversight of private financial transactions if a CBDC were introduced.
Implications for digital assets and markets
The temporary block on a digital dollar provides clearer conditions for private-sector digital assets, including stablecoins. The stablecoin market reached a capitalization of about $310 billion near the end of 2025, reflecting continued demand for dollar-pegged digital instruments.
More broadly, the cryptocurrency market remains sensitive to policy developments. Total market value stood at $2.4 trillion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, down $622 billion over the three-month period.
Housing market remains central focus
Despite the attention on digital currency provisions, the bill’s primary aim is to address housing affordability. Median listing prices have declined for 21 consecutive weeks year over year as of early June 2026.
Fannie Mae projects a modest recovery, forecasting a 2.1% increase in total home sales for the year. Lawmakers are positioning the legislation as a step toward stabilizing supply and improving access in a cooling market.
The measure underscores how digital asset policy continues to intersect with broader economic legislation, offering traders clearer signals on regulatory direction while Congress prioritizes housing reforms.
For deeper context on digital currencies versus policy bans, explore our guide on central bank digital currencies and market impacts.
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