U.S. Lawmaker Pushes CBDC Ban Into NDAA After ‘Broken Promises’ Claim

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.

Self said the move was needed because lawmakers were promised a CBDC ban in the NDAA, but it was later removed.

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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.

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