US Lawmakers Introduce ARMA Bill for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve After SC Crypto Win

On May 22, 2026, US lawmakers advanced the American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA) to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, building directly on South Carolina's landmark regulatory win. Governor Henry McMaster signed Senate Bill 163 on May 20 after near-unanimous votes, banning state CBDC participation, protecting self-custody and miners, and exempting key crypto activities from licensing. The developments join nine other states with similar Bitcoin Rights laws and coincide with BTC trading near $77,467, signaling stronger state-to-federal policy momentum that reduces regulatory risk and supports long-term institutional demand.