Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the central bank is “not allowed to own Bitcoin,” leaving the decision to Congress.

Replying to a reporter’s question during the press conference following the FOMC decision, Powell said that the Fed has little to do with Bitcoin stockpile.

“We are not allowed to own Bitcoin,” said Powell. “That’s the kind of thing for Congress to consider.” He further stressed that the central bank is not looking to change that.

His statements came after questions about how the government could possibly hold Bitcoin reserve, akin to holding gold.

On Wednesday, the Fed lowered interest rates by 0.25% to its current target range of 4.25% and 4.50%, as anticipated.

The Federal Reserve Act does not allow the central bank to hold government bonds or highly speculative assets. Though the Fed expanded its asset purchases during economic crisis such as the 2008 financial crash, Bitcoin remains out of its consideration.

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