Experts and lawmakers in the U.S. believe that building a strategic Bitcoin reserve must be done through congressional legislation to ensure sustainability and avoid legal risks.
Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets at VanEck, stated that if the U.S. wants to establish a long-term strategic Bitcoin reserve, the most effective approach is to pass laws through Congress rather than relying solely on executive orders.
Speaking at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, Sigel suggested that the most viable path forward would be to incorporate Bitcoin mining incentives into the congressional budget reconciliation process. Specifically, the government could offer tax credits to mining companies using methane gas or recycled energy, while encouraging them to share a portion of the mined Bitcoin with the federal government.
Sigel emphasized that this method would allow the reserve to grow gradually and sustainably. He also warned that executive actions to acquire Bitcoin could lead to lawsuits:
“Any action involving more than $100 million will attract lawsuits, especially from figures like Elizabeth Warren. So I’d recommend starting small—perhaps with $100 million from the Exchange Stabilization Fund.”
Previously, on March 7, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. However, the order stipulates that the government can only accumulate Bitcoin through budget-neutral measures or asset forfeiture.
Several lawmakers have proposed ideas to expand the reserve without burdening taxpayers. Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, who introduced a bill for a strategic Bitcoin reserve in July 2024, suggested converting a portion of the U.S. Treasury’s gold certificates into Bitcoin. She argued that this would allow the government to acquire more Bitcoin without incurring costs.
Bo Hines, Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, supported a similar approach. He proposed revaluing the U.S. gold holdings—currently priced at just $42.22 per ounce—and using the unrealized gains to buy Bitcoin. According to Hines, this would also be a budget-neutral strategy.
Gold prices hit an all-time high of $3,500 per ounce in April before dipping slightly to around $3,300 on May 27.
