Greene Blocks Defense Bill Rule, Demands Ban on Digital Dollar

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was the only Republican who voted against the House rule governing debate on the fiscal-year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, arguing the legislation fails to include an explicit prohibition on a U.S. central bank digital currency. Greene contends that the absence of such a ban would pave the way for a government-controlled cashless system and threaten individual financial privacy. The Georgia lawmaker added that Speaker Mike Johnson had earlier signaled support for inserting a CBDC ban into the defense bill but told members this week that the language would likely be stripped in the Senate. She urged more Republicans to oppose the rule and any final measure that does not bar a federally issued digital currency. The House is expected to vote later on 17 July on whether to adopt the rule and proceed to debate the multibillion-dollar defense package. While the current text does not authorize a CBDC, the dispute underscores growing divisions in Congress over the merits and risks of a potential digital dollar, which supporters say could modernize payments but critics warn could expand federal surveillance powers.