Greetings!

The Congressional Budget Office just confirmed the U.S. will spend $1.039 trillion this year on interest alone – borrowed money paying the interest on borrowed money. That's the macro environment driving everything else in this edition. Tennessee's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act is gaining real traction in committee as states across the country are racing to put bitcoin on their balance sheets before Washington does. And Steak 'n Shake just proved that bitcoin payments work, and even may be a competitive advantage. Here's what's moving.

📡 Events

Park 101: Intro to Bitcoin

Bitcoin Park's beginner-friendly session covering what money is, what bitcoin is, and why it matters. Perfect for anyone curious or looking to bring a skeptical friend.

Recurring | 6:00pm–8:00pm | Bitcoin Park | RSVP

☕ News

Tennessee Bitcoin Bill Gains Momentum

State adoption of bitcoin is leading federal adoption.

The Tennessee Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act has been referred to the House Government Operations Committee. The bill would allow the State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of select state funds in bitcoin, citing inflation as a central threat to purchasing power. Co-sponsors are lining up, and the committee assignment signals real legislative traction.

Steak ‘n Shake Proves Bitcoin Payments Work

Bitcoin adoption is now happening at the cash register.

Since accepting bitcoin via the Lightning Network in May 2025, Steak 'n Shake has seen same-store sales jump 18% – far outpacing industry averages. Processing fees dropped roughly 50% compared to card networks. The chain now holds about $15 million in bitcoin on its balance sheet. This is what adoption looks like for everyday business: more revenue, lower costs, better products. Because of this success, they rolled out an employee incentive program paid in bitcoin.

States Race to Put Bitcoin on Public Balance Sheets

States move to create and fund SBRs before the federal government does.

Texas became the first state to purchase bitcoin outright. Arizona and New Hampshire are passing their own reserve legislation. South Dakota, Kansas, Rhode Island, and Florida have introduced or revived bills to study, hold, or allocate public funds to bitcoin. If it becomes law, the Tennessee Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act would put our state in good company.

CLARITY Act Inches Forward in Congress

Federal regulation is coming, but nobody knows when.

The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act on January 29th, a companion to the House-passed CLARITY Act. The Senate Banking Committee still needs to advance its version covering SEC rules and stablecoins, with a markup now expected in March. Treasury Secretary Bessent is publicly pushing Congress to get a bill to the President's desk this spring, but banks are strongly resisting the changing economic order.

The Debt That Won’t Stop Growing

U.S. government spends $1 trillion a year just to service the debt.

The national debt has reached $38 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office projects interest payments alone will hit $1.039 trillion in fiscal year 2026 – and double to $2.1 trillion by 2036. Annual deficits are projected at $1.9 trillion this year. To put it simply: the government is borrowing money to pay the interest on the money it already borrowed. This is the macro environment that makes bitcoin not just relevant, but necessary.

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📜 The Bitcoin List

"Inflation is taxation without legislation." — Milton Friedman

If you're reading this newsletter, you have some interest in bitcoin, even if it's just a passing curiosity. We’re here to help you in that journey by providing a list of achievable steps you can take towards financial freedom.

This Month’s Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It:

Download a bitcoin wallet. Try Blue Wallet, Jade, Phoenix, or Strike — all free, all simple. You don't need to buy anything. Just install it, set it up, and explore how it works. Holding your own wallet is the first step toward understanding what "be your own bank" really means. It takes five minutes, and it'll change how you think about money.

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Donations run everything we do, like developing the upcoming Tennessee Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill. Want Tennessee to move faster into a bitcoin fueled future? Send some holiday love our way. We thank you in advance for your support!

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