Why Is the US Bitcoin Reserve Changing Its Name?

The effort to establish a formal Bitcoin reserve in the United States is entering a new phase, marked by a strategic rebranding of the legislation behind it. What was previously known as the BITCOIN Act is now expected to be reintroduced as the American Reserves Modernization Act (ARMA) – a change that reflects both political strategy and evolving policy priorities in Washington.

At the center of this shift is Nick Begich, a Republican lawmaker from Alaska, who has been leading the push to integrate Bitcoin into the country’s long-term reserve framework. The updated bill is designed not only to formalize the federal government’s approach to holding Bitcoin but also to broaden support among lawmakers who may be hesitant about digital asset-focused legislation.

A Name Change With Political Intent

The decision to rename the bill is not merely cosmetic. According to Begich, the new title, ARMA, aims to reposition the proposal as a broader modernization effort rather than a niche cryptocurrency initiative. By emphasizing “reserves” instead of “Bitcoin,” the legislation is framed in terms that resonate more traditionally with policymakers.

This shift comes after discussions with the House Financial Services Committee, where lawmakers have been evaluating how best to present the proposal to a wider audience. The rebranding signals an attempt to align Bitcoin policy with established concepts like gold reserves and strategic national assets, rather than treating it as a standalone innovation.

In essence, ARMA is designed to make Bitcoin appear less experimental and more like a natural evolution of the United States’ reserve strategy.

A Name Change With Political Intent

Building on Existing Policy Foundations

The legislation builds directly on an executive order signed by Donald Trump, which directed the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. That order laid the groundwork by recognizing Bitcoin as a potential long-term asset for the federal government, comparable in some respects to gold.

However, executive orders can be reversed or modified by future administrations. This limitation has driven lawmakers, including Cynthia Lummis, to push for a more permanent solution through legislation. ARMA aims to codify the executive action into law, ensuring continuity regardless of political changes.

As explains, the bill would establish a structured system for identifying, managing, and securing Bitcoin already held by federal agencies, much of which has been acquired through seizures and forfeitures.

Building on Existing Policy Foundations

From Acquisition to Custody

One of the defining features of the original BITCOIN Act was its ambitious proposal to acquire up to one million Bitcoin over five years using budget-neutral strategies. While it remains unclear whether ARMA will retain this exact target, the core concept of building a national Bitcoin reserve is expected to remain intact.

More importantly, the updated legislation places greater emphasis on custody and long-term management. The goal is to prevent short-term liquidation of government-held Bitcoin and instead treat it as a strategic asset.

Under ARMA, federal Bitcoin holdings would be consolidated into a formal reserve structure, with clear rules governing storage, access, and potential sale. The bill is also expected to limit the ability of future officials to move or dispose of these assets without congressional approval, adding another layer of oversight.

A Broader Debate Over Bitcoin’s Role

The renaming of the bill comes at a time when digital asset policy is becoming increasingly intertwined with questions of national strategy. Supporters argue that Bitcoin, as a decentralized and scarce asset, could serve as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk.

Critics, however, remain cautious. Concerns about volatility, security, and the appropriateness of holding a decentralized asset in government reserves continue to shape the debate.

Still, momentum appears to be building. The White House’s crypto advisory team has hinted at upcoming announcements related to the reserve, suggesting that both the executive and legislative branches are actively working toward a more defined policy framework.

What Happens Next?

The reintroduction of the bill under the ARMA name is expected in the coming weeks. Its success will depend on several factors: committee approval, bipartisan support, and the broader political climate surrounding digital assets.

By shifting the focus from Bitcoin itself to the modernization of national reserves, lawmakers hope to make the proposal more accessible, and ultimately, more viable.

Whether ARMA succeeds or not, the name change highlights a key reality: in Washington, how an idea is presented can be just as important as the idea itself.