US Senate Approves Housing Bill with CBDC Ban in 85–5 Vote

Key Takeaways:

• The bill passed the United States Senate with a strong bipartisan 85–5 vote.
• It combines housing supply reforms with a controversial CBDC prohibition.
• The legislation now moves to the House before reaching the President.

The United States Senate has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) in an overwhelming 85–5 vote, marking a significant bipartisan push to address U.S. housing affordability. The bill now heads to the House for a floor vote before being sent to the President for final approval.

Housing Supply and Market Reform Measures

The legislation focuses on expanding housing supply across the United States and reducing costs for families. It also includes provisions aimed at limiting the influence of corporate landlords in the housing market, a move lawmakers say will help improve affordability and access for middle-income Americans.

CBDC Ban Sparks Policy Debate

A notable and unusual feature of the bill is its ban on the creation or issuance of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) by the Federal Reserve until 2030. The provision, strongly supported by House Republicans, reflects broader political resistance to state-backed digital currencies.

Supporters argue the bill strengthens housing supply, while critics highlight the inclusion of unrelated financial policy within housing legislation. The bill’s bipartisan backing suggests strong momentum as it moves through the final legislative stages.