TLDR
- US Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in an 85-5 vote.
- The bill aims to increase housing supply and improve affordability.
- Lawmakers included a provision banning a CBDC until December 31, 2030.
- The restriction prevents the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC or similar digital asset.
- The updated bill reflects bipartisan and bicameral agreement.
The United States Senate approved a housing supply bill that includes a CBDC restriction. Lawmakers passed H.R. 6644 with an 85-5 vote on Monday. The measure now moves to the House for final consideration before a presidential decision.
Senate advances housing supply plan with bipartisan backing
The Senate approved the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after bipartisan negotiations. Lawmakers said the bill focuses on increasing housing supply and reducing costs. Officials stated that the legislation aims to limit corporate control of residential housing markets. The bill also seeks to support development projects and expand access to affordable homes.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill addressed the vote after passage. He said, “Housing affordability starts with supply, and this bill makes meaningful progress.” He added that the bill supports construction efforts and lowers costs for families. Lawmakers from both parties backed the updated version released last week.
The revised bill reflects a joint agreement between Senate leaders and House representatives. Negotiators aligned provisions to secure support across both chambers. Reports indicate that House leaders plan to schedule a vote soon after recess. The House is expected to reconvene on June 23 and move the bill forward.
CBDC restriction included in broader legislative package
The bill includes a provision that restricts the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC. It also blocks any digital asset considered similar to a CBDC until December 31, 2030. Lawmakers inserted the provision during negotiations led by House Republicans. The addition connects digital currency policy with broader housing legislation.
The Federal Reserve would face a clear legal barrier under the proposed language. The restriction applies to any direct issuance or development of a CBDC system. Journalist Eleanor Terrett previously reported on the inclusion of the provision. Lawmakers used the bill structure to combine separate policy priorities.
This approach reflects a common legislative method in Congress. Policymakers often attach unrelated measures to broader bills to secure passage. The current administration has expressed opposition to CBDCs in recent statements. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that CBDCs remain “off the table.”
He confirmed that the administration will focus on digital asset regulation through other frameworks. Officials continue work on advancing the Clarity Act in parallel. The House vote will determine whether the bill reaches the president’s desk. Final approval would require a signature before the provisions become law.
