The U.S. Senate has vetoed the digital dollar: banning CBDCs until 2030
The American legislative body has taken a decisive step towards limiting state control over money issuance. The upper house of Congress approved the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which introduces a direct ban on the Federal Reserve issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) until December 31, 2030. The decision was supported by an overwhelming majority — 85 votes in favor versus only five against.
A key feature of the adopted document is its comprehensive nature. The ban applies not only to the direct issuance of CBDCs by the Fed but also to any attempts to delegate this function to financial institutions or other intermediaries. Thus, lawmakers are closing all possible loopholes for introducing a state digital currency without direct congressional approval.
It is important to note that the bill makes an exception for cash dollars. Any digital alternative, according to the authors' intent, must preserve the key properties of physical money: openness, no need for permission, and, critically, transaction privacy. This requirement effectively rules out most existing CBDC models, which assume full transparency and control by the issuer.
Moreover, even after the temporary moratorium expires, the Fed will not automatically gain the right to launch a digital dollar. This will require separate, direct approval from Congress. The document is now sent for consideration to the House of Representatives, and its further fate will be crucial for the entire crypto industry.
Cryptalist Analytical Commentary: This decision is a powerful signal that American lawmakers are not ready to sacrifice the principles of financial freedom for administrative convenience. The ban on CBDCs until 2030 is not just a pause but a strategic choice in favor of decentralized alternatives. For the market, this means that Bitcoin and other non-state digital assets remain the only realistic model for the money of the future in the coming years.