Crypto Regulation Setback: US Senate Postpones Key Regulation Vote
Markup hearings on legislation about crypto market structure have been postponed until 2026 by the US Senate Banking Committee. This is in contrast to previous anticipations that a hearing would be held this week. Tim Scott, the chair of the Senate Banking Committee, announced through a spokesperson that this year’s market structure markup will not be held. Chairman Scott has made it clear that the endeavor should be bipartisan, the official continued.
Chairman Scott and the Senate Banking Committee have made strong progress with Democratic counterparts on bipartisan digital asset market structure legislation. He has consistently and patiently engaged in good-faith discussions to produce a strong bipartisan product that provides clarity for the digital asset industry and also makes America the crypto capital of the world. The Committee is continuing to negotiate and looks forward to a markup in early 2026.
the spokesperson
Market Structure Bill Delay Raises Concerns Across Crypto Sector
Some in the cryptocurrency business, who had anticipated more significant regulatory advancements in 2025, are dismayed by the delay. Paul Barron, a researcher and cryptocurrency investor who opposes the measure, also offered his thoughts on the subject.
The Market Structure Bill has fallen apart on the markup phase in the Senate … Early 2026 may also be in jeopardy as well,
Barron
The purpose of the law is to make it clearer how the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission regulate the cryptocurrency markets. The plan would designate the CFTC as the principal regulator of the spot cryptocurrency markets. All 33 Senate seats and every House seat will be up for grabs in the 2026 midterm elections. This frequently causes bipartisan legislation to be delayed or made more difficult to pass.
Crypto Oversight Timeline Unclear Amid Government Funding Pressure
The speed with which markup hearings will restart in 2026 is another question that has not been answered. It is anticipated that Congress will immediately place its attention on the process of funding the federal government after it returns from its holiday break. On January 30, the existing funding measure will be out of date. Thus, it is possible that laws regarding cryptocurrencies may be placed on hold.
For more up-to-date crypto news, you can follow Crypto Data Space.
