The US Senate just told the Federal Reserve to shelve any plans for a digital dollar. On June 22, the chamber passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a sprawling piece of legislation that addresses housing supply and affordability but also carries a provision that explicitly prohibits the Fed from issuing a central bank digital currency until December 31, 2030.
The vote wasn’t close. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, reported at either 85-5 or 89-10. The measure is expected to move quickly through the House and land on President Trump’s desk for a signature.
A CBDC ban hiding inside a housing bill
The provision specifically bars the Federal Reserve and its regional banks from issuing a CBDC “or substantially similar digital asset.” No government-backed digital dollar in any form for at least four years.
This isn’t the first time Congress has taken a swing at the idea. The House passed its own version, H.R. 1919, back in July 2025, though that vote was far tighter at 219-210. The Senate’s lopsided margin suggests the anti-CBDC consensus has broadened significantly since then, pulling in substantial Democratic support alongside the Republican base that has championed the cause.
