The US Senate is advancing a housing reform bill with a surprise CBDC ban

The legislation passed by an 84-6 vote, indicating broad support for changes to housing policies and digital currency regulations.

The United States (US) Senate has taken a major bipartisan step toward housing legislation by advancing the ROAD in the 21st Century Act. The bill combines housing reform with a ban on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

According to Burgess Everett, Semafor’s congressional bureau chief, the legislation passed with a key procedural vote of 84-6. The result shows broad support for changes to housing policy and digital currency regulations.

Push to provide housing comes with crypto conditions

Beyond its digital currency provisions, the bill addresses America’s housing crisis by reducing red tape and expanding the housing supply. It also seeks to limit the dominance of large institutional players in single-family rentals and simplify financing and development processes across the country.

Everett emphasized the scale of bipartisan support, describing the margin as one you don’t see every day. Proponents argue that the reforms could make housing more affordable and affordable for ordinary Americans.

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

The restriction comes after House conservatives pushed for tougher crypto-related restrictions as part of a broader legislative compromise. Lawmakers added the provision to the housing bill instead of advancing standalone digital asset legislation.

Federal Reserve officials have said any CBDC initiative remains exploratory and would require congressional approval. However, the ban has sparked renewed debate about the future of digital currency in the US, particularly around privacy, payments and financial controls.

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The White House has approved the bill, noting that advisers to President Trump recommend signing it if it reaches the desk. The support underscores an unusual cross-party appeal in the legislature, though Democrats have always opposed limits on the Federal Reserve’s digital currency research.

Despite the approval, the bill still faces a number of procedural hurdles before becoming law, including reconciliation with the House version. It is unclear whether the CBDC limit will survive the final negotiations, and the digital currency community will be watching closely.