Rep. Keith Self Files Amendment to Block U.S. CBDC Amid Dispute Over NDAA Negotiations

Highlights:

• Self pushes to restore a U.S. CBDC ban after leaders advanced the defense bill without earlier promised protections.
• Rep. Keith Self filed the amendment to block any Federal Reserve plan that creates or tests a digital dollar.
• GOP members warn that a federal digital currency could allow direct control over personal financial activity.

Rep. Keith Self has moved to restore a U.S. CBDC ban after House leaders advanced the new defense bill without the promised language. He filed his amendment on Tuesday after he reviewed the 3,086-page proposal and found no mention of the earlier commitment.

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Keith said GOP leaders assured conservatives that the bill would include anti-CBDC protections. He said those assurances shaped internal talks during the drafting process. He argued that the House must address the omission before the final vote. House leaders still aim to pass the defense bill on Wednesday.

Rep. Keith Self introduced a crucial US CBDC Amendment to the defense bill, aiming to block the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency and offering direct consumer accounts. Conservatives demand this statutory ban to protect financial privacy and prevent… pic.twitter.com/RjymjkHVu6

— Fama Crypto (@Famacrypt) December 10, 2025

The missing CBDC provision, Self said, aggravated conservatives who created clear expectations. He claimed the original language was written by Majority Whip Tom Emmer. He remarked that the provision targeted any Federal Reserve attempt to design or test a digital dollar. Self urged legislators to resolve the loophole before proceeding with the bill.

Many Republicans expressed similar concerns. They said Congress must protect financial privacy before agencies explore digital currency tools. Their pressure adds new tension to the NDAA debate. Their statements also signal rising interest in digital currency policy within the House.

Keith Self Files Amendment to Correct Omissions That Sparked Tension in House Talks

Self introduced the “Anti-CBDC Surveillance State” amendment to stop the Federal Reserve from developing or issuing a digital dollar. The proposal bars the Fed from designing any digital asset with similar traits or functions. It also blocks Federal Reserve banks from offering accounts or financial services directly to individuals. Supporters say the limit prevents a federal system that could track personal activity. They say direct accounts would place the government between consumers and their money.

The amendment includes a narrow carve-out for “dollar-denominated currency that is open, permissionless, and private.” The purpose of that language is to ensure privacy protections akin to physical cash. It also tries to establish a clear line of future digital instruments. Self claims that the carve-out protects any new design of private transactions. He noted that Congress has to decide on the rules first, and then agencies can develop major systems.

Several Republicans welcomed his proposal. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she supports cryptocurrency but rejects any system that lets the government control spending. Rep. Warren Davidson said a CBDC would shift financial authority toward federal institutions. He said lawmakers need a statutory ban and not only an executive order. President Trump signed an executive order earlier this year that blocks agencies from issuing or promoting a CBDC. He said the measure protects national sovereignty and financial privacy.

Back in July, I voted NO on the GENIUS Act because it contained a back door to a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Back then Johnson promised conservatives that he would put Tom Emmer’s bill, that closed the loophole to CBDC, in the NDAA to get our vote on Trump’s bill, the… https://t.co/EHvpwgE9v8

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 9, 2025

GOP Concerns Shape NDAA Talks as Leaders Settle Remaining Disputes

Talks over a bipartisan housing package led to the removal of the ban from the final text. A House aide said the CBDC restriction did not gain enough support during those negotiations. Members focused on other policy items and did not want a new dispute. The aide said leaders could not secure language that satisfied the conference.

Self said he will continue to push for a vote as the House moves toward the floor session. Greene and Davidson echoed his concerns during public remarks. They said lawmakers must act before the Federal Reserve considers any digital currency plan. House leaders now weigh those demands as they prepare for Wednesday’s vote.

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