A growing movement in Washington is drawing a line against state-issued digital currencies. The House Financial Services Committee took a bold step by passing the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. The move signals a firm rejection of the Federal Reserve’s authority to create a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Why the Digital Dollar Faces Resistance
The bill seeks to block any attempt by the Federal Reserve to directly distribute a digital dollar to individuals. The proposal has raised concerns over surveillance, personal autonomy, and unchecked federal power.
The legislation passed narrowly, with a 27-22 vote, showcasing the sharp divide in Congress on the future of government-controlled digital assets.
For critics of a U.S.-issued CBDC, the issue goes beyond technology—it’s about trust and transparency. Emmer has warned that a government-controlled digital currency could allow real-time monitoring of individual transactions. He believes this would fundamentally alter the balance between citizens and the state. “CBDCs are a direct threat to Americans’ right to privacy,” he argued during committee discussions.
While some lawmakers advocate exploring digital dollars to modernise payments, others warn of the surveillance risks associated with them.
Fed Unlikely to Act Without Congressional Approval
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has reiterated that any move toward a U.S. CBDC would require congressional approval. He also clarified that the central bank has no plans to issue a digital dollar under the current leadership.
Meanwhile, globally, enthusiasm for CBDCs is waning. A recent study by OMFIF revealed that only 18% of central banks are actively developing CBDCs in 2025, down from 38% in 2022. Shifts in regulation, data concerns, and economic pressures are all contributing to a slowdown in momentum.
What’s Next for Digital Payments in the U.S.?
While digital innovation continues to reshape the financial world, not all progress guarantees liberty. The fight against a government-backed digital dollar is not just about technology—it’s about defending core cryptocurrency values. A centralised CBDC would hand unprecedented control over personal finances to the state, eroding the very freedoms the financial system was built to protect.
The passage of the Anti-CBDC bill sends a clear message: when it comes to the future of money in the U.S. and globally, privacy and freedom come first.
Stay informed,
Rodcas Consulting Group