Senate housing bill freezes US retail CBDC plans until 2030

For crypto investors, the immediate takeaway is that a US retail central bank digital currency is moving further out of reach. A Senate housing package passed 85-5 on June 23 with language that bars the Federal Reserve from issuing a digital dollar for consumers through at least the end of 2030.

The restriction is notable because Sen. Elizabeth Warren, one of crypto's most consistent critics, had previously argued that central bank digital currencies could improve financial inclusion, efficiency, and financial system safety if designed well. She still backed the broader bill, which focuses on housing supply, permitting, repairs, and limits on some private equity purchases of single-family homes.

The CBDC measure drew little attention in public debate around the bill. Lawmakers were voting on a large housing package, not a standalone digital currency proposal. Still, the final margin shows the provision was acceptable enough to remain in a bill with broad bipartisan support.

In practice, the Fed was not close to launching a retail CBDC. It had stayed in the research phase and repeatedly said it would need clear approval from Congress and support from the executive branch. President Donald Trump had already directed federal agencies in January 2025 to stop developing or promoting a CBDC. This bill would turn that policy direction into law, making it harder for a future administration to reverse quickly.