House Republicans Clash Over CBDC Ban Omission in Defense Bill

Republican infighting erupted over digital currency policy as Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) accused House leadership of reneging on a promise to include anti-CBDC provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act. The proposed amendment WOULD have barred the Federal Reserve from developing or issuing a central bank digital currency under any designation.

The dispute centers on what conservatives view as encroaching financial surveillance. "We were handed a take-it-or-leave-it bill that breaks promises," Self stated on social media, referencing failed protections for permissionless dollar alternatives—a nod to crypto advocates who fear CBDCs could undermine private transactions.

With the NDAA already facing criticism over Ukraine funding and other omissions, the missing CBDC prohibition adds another LAYER of contention to the 3,086-page defense package. The amendment's failure leaves the door open for Fed-issued digital currencies despite growing Republican resistance.