Republican members of the US House of Representatives are threatening to block a bipartisan housing affordability bill unless it includes a permanent ban on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). In a letter dated March 6, 28 Republican representatives urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to ensure the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act prohibits CBDCs indefinitely, criticizing the current provision that sunsets in 2030. The Republicans argue that a CBDC would infringe on financial privacy and expand the Federal Reserve's surveillance capabilities. They demand the removal of provisions allowing the Fed to study CBDCs, echoing a previous bill by Rep. Tom Emmer. The housing bill, which aims to address rising housing costs through measures like expedited environmental reviews and increased loan limits, faces potential derailment if the CBDC ban is not strengthened.