U.S. Lawmaker Slams ’Broken Promises,’ Pushes CBDC Ban Into NDAA
Another political skirmish erupts over digital dollars—this time with legislation on the line.
The NDAA Gets a Crypto Clause
Forget quiet committee rooms. A U.S. lawmaker is taking the fight against a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) straight into the National Defense Authorization Act. The move follows public accusations of 'broken promises' from federal officials, framing the digital dollar not as innovation, but as a threat to financial privacy and autonomy. It's policy-making by amendment—a classic Washington power play.
Privacy vs. Control: The Eternal Debate
The core argument hasn't changed: proponents see a CBDC as a necessary evolution for a digital age, while opponents decry it as a surveillance tool waiting to happen. This legislative push amplifies that fear, embedding it into a must-pass defense bill. The strategy is clear—force a debate on the national stage, using the leverage of military funding to score a win for crypto purists.
A Jab at the Money Machine
Let's be cynical for a second. The whole debate often feels like a distraction from the real issue—a monetary system that happily prints its way out of trouble but gets suddenly principled about digital oversight. The 'broken promises' line is a potent soundbite, perfectly crafted to resonate with anyone who's ever doubted a bureaucrat's word.
The NDAA maneuver is a bold stroke. It doesn't just criticize; it attempts to codify. Whether it succeeds or fails, it signals that the battle for the future of money is being fought—line by line—in the most unexpected corners of the law.
A new debate has begun in Washington today after U.S. lawmaker Keith Self revealed that he has formally submitted an amendment to add a ban on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
He now says those promises were not kept, which is why he is taking matters into his own hands. His amendment, he explains, is meant to “fix the bill.”
Rep. Keith Introduces CBDC Ban Amendment Before NDAA Vote
On 9th Dec, Rep. Keith Self revealed that he has formally submitted an amendment titled “Anti-CBDC Surveillance State” to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that goes beyond just banning a digital dollar.
Self said, It aims to stop the Federal Reserve from creating, testing, or supporting any digital asset that works like a CBDC, even under a different name. However, the proposal also blocks Federal Reserve banks from offering accounts or financial services directly to individuals
Meanwhile, the amendment was filed just as the House Rules Committee prepared to decide whether the bill WOULD move to a full vote.
BREAKING: I have submitted an amendment to add a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) ban to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Promises were broken to include this language in the NDAA. My amendment would fix the bill.
The House Rules Committee meets later TODAY… pic.twitter.com/9zLQUk6QSm
Self said the MOVE was needed because lawmakers were promised a CBDC ban in the NDAA, but it was later removed.
Why Republicans Are Pushing Back on CBDCs
The CBDC issue has caused frustration among several Republican lawmakers. They believe a government-backed digital currency could allow authorities to track spending, limit purchases, or control how people use their money.
Therefore, lawmakers have made it clear that while they support crypto and blockchain innovation, they do not support any system where the government can control how Americans use their money.
For him, this issue is not just about technology; it’s about basic freedom. And, he argues that a major bill like the NDAA must protect citizens from this kind of financial control.
House Rules Committee to Decide the Next Step
The most important moment is coming later today. The House Rules Committee will meet and decide whether Rep. Self’s amendment should move forward for a full vote on the House floor.
This decision will determine whether Congress gets the chance to officially debate, and possibly ban, a U.S. CBDC.
Rep. Self made it clear that he hopes the committee “does the right thing,” especially after what he says were broken commitments earlier in the process.
Trump’s Executive Order Adds Pressure
Earlier this year, President Donald TRUMP signed an executive order banning federal agencies from promoting or creating CBDCs. The order cited risks to privacy, financial stability, and national control.
Lawmakers now argue that an executive order is not enough and that a permanent legal ban is needed.
