Crypto Shock in Washington US Market Structure Bill Suddenly Delayed Again
US Crypto Market Structure Bill Faces Delay as Senate Shifts Focus to Housing Policy
The long-awaited U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill, widely viewed as the cornerstone of regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry, is facing an unexpected delay. While the bill still enjoys strong political backing and overwhelming support from the crypto industry, shifting legislative priorities in the U.S. Senate have pushed its timeline back by several weeks.
According to multiple industry sources and congressional insiders, the Senate Banking Committee has temporarily redirected its attention toward housing affordability reforms, many of which are aligned with policies backed by former President Donald Trump. As a result, crypto regulation, once expected to advance swiftly in early 2026, is now entering a short period of uncertainty.
Why the US Crypto Market Structure Bill Matters
The Crypto Market Structure Bill is designed to define how digital assets are regulated in the United States, clarifying which tokens fall under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission and which are overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. For years, the lack of clarity between these agencies has created confusion for exchanges, developers, investors, and institutions.
Industry leaders have repeatedly warned that without clear rules, innovation risks moving offshore. The bill aims to resolve this by establishing a unified framework that balances consumer protection with innovation, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in digital asset regulation.
Senate Banking Committee Prioritizes Housing Reform
Despite the importance of the crypto legislation, the Senate Banking Committee has chosen to temporarily focus on housing policy. Committee Chair Tim Scott and other lawmakers are prioritizing affordability initiatives that address rising home prices, mortgage costs, and access to housing.
 |
| Source: CoinDesk X |
These measures include tax incentives for homeowners, reforms targeting housing supply shortages, and proposals aimed at stabilizing the broader real estate market. Many of these initiatives trace back to policy goals championed by Donald Trump, particularly those centered on middle-class affordability.
As a result, discussion of the crypto market structure bill within the Banking Committee is now expected to resume in late February or March, rather than moving forward immediately as previously anticipated.
What the Delay Means for the Crypto Industry
The delay introduces short-term uncertainty at a time when the crypto market is already navigating macroeconomic pressure, geopolitical risk, and shifting monetary policy expectations. While no part of the bill has been rejected, the pause means businesses must continue operating under existing regulatory ambiguity.
Companies such as Coinbase and other U.S.-based exchanges have long criticized the lack of defined rules, particularly around stablecoins, custody services, and the legal status of developers. Without clarity, firms face increased compliance costs and legal risk, slowing innovation and institutional participation.
Still, many industry observers view the delay as procedural rather than political opposition.
Senate Agriculture Committee Continues to Move Forward
While the Banking Committee has slowed its pace, the Senate Agriculture Committee is pressing ahead with its own version of digital asset legislation. Chairman John Boozman recently released an updated draft that expands the authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over digital commodities such as Bitcoin.
The committee is scheduled to hold a vote on January 27, 2026, signaling continued momentum on crypto regulation, even as parallel discussions stall elsewhere in the Senate.
 |
| Source: Xpost |
Once both committees finalize their versions, lawmakers will need to reconcile differences between the Banking and Agriculture bills before sending a unified proposal to the full Senate. This reconciliation process is expected to be one of the most critical stages in shaping U.S. crypto regulation.
Bridging the SEC and CFTC Divide
One of the most important outcomes of the market structure bill is its attempt to resolve the long-standing jurisdictional conflict between the SEC and CFTC. The lack of coordination between the two agencies has resulted in enforcement-heavy regulation, often criticized as unclear and reactive.
By clearly defining which assets are securities and which are commodities, the bill would provide a predictable framework for compliance. This clarity is essential for exchanges, institutional investors, and developers building blockchain infrastructure within the United States.
Trump Signals Strong Executive Support for Crypto
At the World Economic Forum in Davos 2026, Donald Trump made it clear that crypto legislation remains a priority. Speaking alongside global financial leaders, Trump said he intends to sign major digital asset legislation in the near future, positioning the U.S. as the global capital for blockchain and digital finance.
He specifically highlighted the GENIUS Stablecoin Act, which aims to provide a regulatory framework for dollar-backed stablecoins while encouraging institutional adoption. Trump’s comments reinforced confidence that the market structure bill has strong executive backing once it reaches his desk.
Industry Support Remains Overwhelming
More than 100 crypto companies have signed a joint letter urging Congress to pass comprehensive market structure legislation. The coalition includes exchanges, infrastructure providers, wallet developers, and institutional service firms, all calling for regulatory clarity to protect U.S. competitiveness.
This industry-wide alignment is rare and underscores how critical the bill is for the future of digital assets in America.
Following Trump’s Davos remarks and reports of continued Senate progress, Bitcoin rebounded above the $90,000 level, reflecting market optimism that regulatory clarity is still on track, despite temporary delays.
Short-Term Market Impact
In the near term, the delay may contribute to market volatility. Regulatory uncertainty tends to weigh on investor sentiment, particularly among institutions that require legal clarity before deploying capital at scale.
Analysts note that uncertainty around stablecoins, custody products, and developer classifications remains one of the biggest obstacles to broader adoption. Until legislation is finalized, some firms may delay product launches or expansion plans within the U.S.
However, most experts agree that the delay does not signal opposition to crypto regulation, but rather reflects shifting legislative priorities.
Long-Term Outlook for US Crypto Regulation
Once the Banking and Agriculture Committee versions are reconciled, the full Senate will debate a comprehensive framework that could define U.S. digital asset policy for the next decade. Lawmakers are expected to aim for a balanced approach that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability.
With bipartisan interest, strong industry backing, and executive support from Trump, the bill remains one of the most significant milestones in the history of U.S. crypto regulation.
Conclusion
The delay of the U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill highlights how traditional political priorities can influence the pace of innovation-focused legislation. While housing policy has temporarily taken center stage, momentum behind crypto regulation remains strong.
For now, the industry must navigate a brief period of uncertainty. But with Senate committees continuing their work and clear signals of support from the White House, the foundation for comprehensive U.S. crypto regulation is firmly in place.
If passed, the bill could mark a turning point, transforming the United States from a regulatory gray zone into a global leader in digital asset innovation.
hokanews.com – Not Just Crypto News. It’s Crypto Culture.