The United States Senate voted to include an amendment that prohibits the Federal Reserve (Fed) and regional banks from issuing central bank digital currency (CBDC) until December 31, 2030. The relevant amendment became part of a bill aimed at ensuring housing affordability and was supported by representatives from both political parties.
This is reported by Finway
What the New Ban Entails
The bill, which was passed with 89 votes in favor and 10 against, contains a clear ban on the creation and distribution of CBDC both directly by the Fed and through financial institutions or any other intermediaries. According to the text of the document, the restrictions apply not only to the digital dollar but also to any digital asset that may perform similar functions.
At the same time, the ban does not extend to digital assets denominated in US dollars, which remain open and do not require special permission for use. In particular, this applies to stablecoins that are pegged to the exchange rate of the US national currency, provided they are not government-controlled.
Criticism of Central Bank Digital Currency
The introduction of CBDC has sparked a wave of criticism among American lawmakers. In early March 2026, over 30 members of Congress sent a letter to the Senate calling for a permanent ban on the issuance of such digital currencies. Their concerns revolve around the potential increase in government control over citizens’ personal finances.
“Congressman Ralph Norman stated that such technology could provide government entities with unprecedented control over citizens’ finances.”
Another congressman, Warren Davidson, shares concerns about the possible expansion of government oversight through the implementation of CBDC. He believes that even regulated stablecoins could pose similar risks if used within strict programmed financial mechanisms.
In turn, Ray Dalio, founder of the investment firm Bridgewater Associates, has repeatedly warned about the risks posed by central bank digital currency. According to him, such tools give authorities the ability to track financial transactions, block funds, or automatically collect taxes.
It is worth noting that Ray Dalio previously stated that Bitcoin is not capable of fully replacing gold as a store of value.