White House signals imminent plan to operationalize U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve as ARMA bill advances

White House officials have signaled that a formal step to operationalize a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is imminent: White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt told attendees at the Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas that a major announcement is prepared and expected within weeks ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

Legislative work tied to the reserve has been updated: Representative Nick Begich renamed his Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill the American Reserves Modernization Act (ARMA). ARMA, as described by sponsors, would authorize the Treasury to acquire up to 1 million bitcoin over a five‑year period using budget‑neutral methods; the bill was revised after consultations with the House Financial Services Committee and other congressional committees ^[4].

Observers note that elements such as acquisition mechanics, custody arrangements and budget treatment have been part of the legislative revisions and consultations, but the administration has not yet released formal implementing documents or a detailed timeline beyond the 'within weeks' indication ^{[4] [1]}.

A formal White House announcement is expected in the coming weeks and should clarify how the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would be implemented and overseen ^{[1] [4]}.