Congressman Keith Self Moves To Block US CBDC Via Defense Bill Amendment

[Ben Graham]

Rep. Keith Self, a Republican from Texas, filed a last-minute amendment to the Must-Pass $900 billion US Defence Bill that would ban the Federal Reserve from creating or piloting a US central bank digital currency (CBDC). On 9 December 2025, the Republican took to X to say, “Promises were broken to include this language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). My amendment would fix the bill.”

Self’s “Anti-CBDC Surveillance State” proposal would bar the Fed from testing, developing or launching any CBDC. He submitted an amendment to add a full ban on CBDCs to the 2026 NDAA. He argued that the earlier leadership promises to include similar language were broken in the final compromise text.

“The House Rules Committee meets later TODAY  to decide if it gets a floor vote,” he added. “I hope they do the right thing.”

Notably, during the 2024 campaign, US President Donald Trump called CBDCs a “dangerous threat to freedom” and pledged never to allow a Fed-run digital dollar, once back in office.

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

— Rep. Keith Self (@RepKeithSelf) December 9, 2025

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Self’s “Anti-CBDC Surveillance State” Proposal Would Prevent Fed-Issued Digital Dollar

In 2025, trump singed an executive order intrusting federal agencies not to develop or promote a US CBDC. But since executive orders can be reversed by future administrations, Republican party lawmakers are pushing to lock an anti-CBDC stance through amendments to the NDAA. 

“Conservatives were promised that language banning a CBDC would be included in the must-pass NDAA,” said Self. “Unconscionably, it wasn’t included. Leadership needs to fix this bill IMMEDIATELY.”

Republicans also argue that a CBDC would hand the federal government a “surveillance tool” similar to systems in China. They fear real-time tracking and potential blocking of transactions based on political or social behaviour.

Some are even threatening to withdraw support from the defense bill itself unless leadership allows a floor vote on Self’s amendment.

Congress should ensure the text of H.R. 1919, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, is included in the final version of the FY26 NDAA to protect the financial freedom of Americans and ensure the government does not issue a CBDC. https://t.co/I6Zr2zWPbm

— Heritage Action (@Heritage_Action) December 4, 2025

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CLARITY Act, Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act Cleared House Floor In July 2025, But They Are Not Laws Yet!

While Anti-CBDC bill aims to permanently block any form of a US central bank digital currency, citing surveillance concerns, the CLARITY Act carries huge weight in the crypto world. The CLARITY Act aims to end the chaos over which agency SEC or the CFTC, calls the shots on crypto. It also includes consumer protections and hints at tailored rules for DeFi and stablecoins.

DISCOVER: US Crypto Week Delivers Landmark Regulatory Shift With GENIUS, CLARITY, and Anti-CBDC Acts

Key Takeaways

Rep Keith Self’s move plugs directly into a broader Republican offensive against CBDCs. 

In the US, the Federal Reserve has conducted early‑stage research and pilots around wholesale and retail digital dollars but has repeatedly said it would not move forward without clear authorization from Congress and the executive branch. 

 

 

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