- United States Congress is debating a CBDC ban after lawmakers challenged the Senate’s 2030 expiration clause.
- Ted Cruz proposed an amendment to remove the sunset clause and make the CBDC prohibition permanent.
- House lawmakers oppose the temporary ban, warning it could allow a future U.S. digital dollar if the restriction expires.
Tensions are rising in Congress after lawmakers challenged a temporary ban on central bank digital currencies included in a housing bill. The dispute is on a 2030 expiration clause in the Senate version. According to reporting by Eleanor Terrett, several House members have already signaled strong opposition to the sunset provision.
Senate Amendment Targets CBDC Ban Expiration
The debate escalated after Ted Cruz introduced an amendment to remove the expiration clause. The amendment would make the CBDC prohibition permanent rather than ending on December 31, 2030.
Cruz filed the proposal as amendment SA 4318 to the Senate’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The measure specifically targets language contained in amendment No. 4308. That earlier amendment came from Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren.
By striking lines 15 and 16 on page 302, Cruz seeks to remove the sunset clause. According to Terrett, Cruz intends to push for a vote on the amendment next week. The move adds a digital currency debate to legislation focused primarily on housing reform.
House Members Signal Opposition to Sunset Clause
However, the Senate language has already triggered resistance in the House. Lawmakers there have indicated they will not accept a temporary ban on central bank digital currencies. Terrett wrote that House members made it clear they would not tolerate the 2030 expiration provision.
She added that the disagreement could lead to a contentious legislative process. Meanwhile, political messaging around the issue has intensified. Anna Paulina Luna warned supporters that negotiations over the provision could become heated.
She argued that a temporary ban would allow the policy to expire in future years. Therefore, she urged lawmakers to push for a permanent restriction on a potential digital dollar.
Housing Bill Advances Broader Reform Measures
Despite the currency dispute, the legislation focuses mainly on housing supply issues. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to address construction barriers across the United States.
The bill proposes zoning reforms, incentives for home construction, and faster permitting procedures. Additionally, it directs federal agencies to coordinate grant review timelines and simplify funding notices.
Other amendments expand the scope of the housing package. One proposal requires federal housing grant recipients to report on local land use policies. Another amendment encourages the President to declare a national housing emergency and expand domestic construction material production.
Lawmakers are expected to vote on Cruz’s CBDC amendment as the housing legislation continues moving through Congress.
