Bills relating to cryptocurrencies progress following a record-breaking standoff within the Republican-led House of Representatives.
The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, a bill designed to prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), has taken the spotlight in recent developments within the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill forms part of a broader legislative initiative, including the CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act, which aim to regulate digital assets and stablecoins.
In a significant move, the Anti-CBDC bill was added to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during a late-night session on July 16, 2025, following a prolonged procedural vote. This decision was a compromise reached between conservative lawmakers who advocated for the inclusion of the anti-CBDC measure within broader legislative packages [2][3].
The GENIUS Act, which focuses on regulating stablecoins, does not outright ban CBDCs. However, some Republicans have raised concerns that the GENIUS Act may not be enough to safeguard against government surveillance through digital currencies, leading to the push for the advancement of the Anti-CBDC bill [1][3].
As the procedural hurdles have been cleared, the bills are now set for consideration by the House. The House adopted a rule vote allowing further debate and potential votes on both the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, with a possibility of progression this week or next [3]. The inclusion of the anti-CBDC bill in the NDAA underscores its continued importance in the legislative discourse surrounding digital currencies [2].
However, the path forward is uncertain, with House Democrats voicing concerns about stifling innovation and potential corruption ties [4]. The anti-CBDC bill has been criticized for potentially weakening U.S. capabilities in digital finance compared to countries like China, which are actively developing their own CBDCs [4]. Despite these challenges, the bills continue to progress, reflecting ongoing political and legislative tensions surrounding digital asset regulation.
The vote on the Anti-CBDC bill saw a 217-212 result, with one Republican member, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, voting against advancing the rule. Johnson anticipates a final passage vote on the GENIUS Act as early as Thursday, with the vote on the CLARITY Act potentially delayed until early next week [5]. Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris made a statement about the agreement [6].
In a notable development, the GOP-led House advanced three crypto bills for debate and consideration [7]. This measure will be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, and one of these bills seeks to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC. The initial opposition from a dozen House Republicans was overcome during the vote, with all ultimately flipping in support [8].
This week marks what the White House has labelled "Crypto Week," with Trump and his family becoming fully immersed in the cryptocurrency marketplace. They have developed not only a $TRUMP meme coin but also a bitcoin mining firm, a stablecoin firm, and a crypto reserve [9]. The deal involves adding clear, strong anti-CBDC provisions to the CLARITY legislation.
The drama unfolded on the House floor during a nearly hourlong procedural vote prior to the rule vote, with Johnson huddling with holdouts, including several Republican representatives, during the vote [10]. The conversations between Johnson and the holdouts appeared at times tense [11].
- The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, added to the National Defense Authorization Act, aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), reflecting a broader concern among conservatives about government surveillance through digital currencies.
- Amidst ongoing political and legislative tensions, the House has advanced three crypto bills, including the anti-CBDC bill, which seeks to regulate digital assets and stablecoins more stringently to safeguard against potential corruption ties and stifling innovation in business and finance.
- As the GOP-led House proceeds with the debate and consideration of the crypto bills, some Republicans have expressed concerns about the GENIUS Act not providing enough protection against potential surveillance, leading to the advancement of the Anti-CBDC bill.
