
A major U.S. housing bill that includes a CBDC Ban has officially become law. The legislation took effect without President Donald Trump’s signature after the constitutional deadline expired, marking a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law after Congress approved it with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill passed the Senate by 85-5 and the House of Representatives by 358-32.
Although President Trump announced he would not sign the legislation, the U.S. Constitution allows a bill to become law if the president neither signs nor vetoes it within ten days after receiving it.
President Trump stated that he refused to sign the housing bill in protest. He argued that Congress should first approve legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections.
Despite his objection, the bill automatically became law because no veto was issued before the constitutional deadline.
One of the most important provisions for the crypto industry is the CBDC Ban. The new law prohibits the U.S. Federal Reserve from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
A CBDC is a digital version of a country’s national currency that is issued and regulated by its central bank. Several countries have explored CBDC projects through research and pilot programs.
The Federal Reserve has studied the potential benefits and risks of launching a digital dollar. In 2022, it released a report outlining the possible impact of a CBDC on the U.S. financial system.
However, Federal Reserve officials have repeatedly stated that they would not issue a CBDC without clear authorization from Congress.
Blocking a government-issued digital currency has become a key priority for many Republican lawmakers. The issue also emerged during debates over the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin bill that faced opposition from some Republicans who demanded stronger restrictions on CBDCs.
The inclusion of the ban in the housing legislation reflects growing political support for limiting the Federal Reserve’s authority to issue a digital dollar.
The passage of the CBDC Ban marks an important milestone for U.S. cryptocurrency policy. While the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act primarily focuses on improving housing affordability, its digital currency provision could significantly influence the future of CBDC development in the United States.
