The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a comprehensive bipartisan housing package, officially became law today, July 11, 2026, without the President's signature. This landmark legislation, championed by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, includes a significant provision that prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) until December 31, 2030.
The bill, identified as H.R. 6644, passed both the House and Senate before being presented to the President. Its enactment without a presidential signature follows the constitutional process where a bill becomes law if the President does not sign or veto it within ten days (excluding Sundays) while Congress is in session.
The inclusion of the CBDC ban reflects growing concerns among some lawmakers regarding the potential implications of a government-issued digital currency. Proponents of such bans often cite worries about financial privacy, government surveillance, and the potential for a CBDC to be used as a tool for monetary policy manipulation. The temporary nature of this ban, set to expire at the end of 2030, suggests a desire for further evaluation and debate on the matter as the digital asset landscape continues to evolve.
For the broader crypto regulatory environment, this development signals a cautious approach from the U.S. government towards CBDCs. While research and discussion around a potential digital dollar have been ongoing, this legislative action places a clear, albeit temporary, moratorium on its issuance by the Federal Reserve. This could provide a degree of certainty for the private sector in the short term, allowing for continued innovation in stablecoins and other private digital payment solutions without the immediate prospect of a competing government-backed digital currency.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act itself is a wide-ranging piece of legislation designed to address various aspects of the nation's housing market. It aims to reduce regulatory barriers to new home construction, modernize Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, and tackle issues related to large institutional investors in the single-family home market. The bill's passage underscores a legislative focus on economic and social issues, with the CBDC provision highlighting how digital asset policy is increasingly intertwined with broader legislative initiatives. The temporary ban on a Federal Reserve CBDC is a notable outcome for the crypto regulation space, indicating a legislative preference for a measured and deliberative approach to central bank digital currencies in the United States.
Original announcement: Chairman French Hill's Office