U.S. Senate Pushes Housing Reform Bill With Surprise CBDC Ban

The United States (U.S.) Senate has taken a major bipartisan step by advancing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The bill combines housing reforms with a ban on central bank digital currencies (CBDC).

According to Burgess Everett, congressional bureau chief at Semafor, the legislation passed a key procedural vote of 84–6. The result signals broad support for changes affecting both housing policy and digital money rules.

Housing Supply Push Comes With Crypto Conditions

Beyond its digital currency provisions, the bill targets America’s housing challenges by cutting bureaucratic delays and expanding home supply. It also seeks to curb the dominance of large institutional players in single-family rentals while simplifying financing and development processes nationwide.

Highlighting the scale of bipartisan backing, Everett described the vote margin as one not seen every day. Supporters argue the reforms could make housing more accessible and affordable for ordinary Americans.

Despite the focus on housing, a notable feature of the legislation is its ban on central bank digital currencies. The provision bars the Federal Reserve from issuing or creating a digital currency through 2030. It also covers any similar assets issued directly or through financial intermediaries.

The restriction emerged after House conservatives pushed for tighter crypto-related limits as part of broader legislative compromises. Lawmakers opted to fold the provision into the housing bill rather than advance standalone digital asset legislation.

Federal Reserve officials have said any CBDC initiative remains exploratory and would require congressional approval. Even so, the ban has prompted renewed debate over the future of digital currency in the U.S., particularly around privacy, payments, and financial oversight.

White House Signals Support Despite CBDC Controversy

The White House has endorsed the bill, noting that President Trump’s advisers would recommend signing it if it reaches his desk. The backing underscores the legislation’s unusual cross-party appeal, even as Democrats have always opposed limits on Federal Reserve digital currency research.

Despite the endorsement, the bill still faces several procedural hurdles before becoming law, including reconciliation with the House version. It remains unclear whether the CBDC restriction will survive final negotiations, leaving the digital currency community closely watching.

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