The U.S. government shutdown has reached a record 36 days, impacting negotiations on market structure legislation for cryptocurrency. Although some expect movement on the bill by Thanksgiving, it’s unlikely to pass before 2026 due to the prolonged stalemate and the absence of key government experts.

This article discusses ongoing efforts in the U.S. Congress to pass significant crypto legislation, including a market structure bill that aims to clarify the regulatory status of various digital assets. Key issues delaying progress include stablecoin yield, conflicts of interest, and the regulation of decentralized finance (DeFi).

The U.S. Senate has moved closer to final approval of the GENIUS Act, which aims to regulate stablecoin issuers, passing a significant vote with bipartisan support. Concurrently, the House of Representatives is advancing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, establishing a framework for crypto market oversight. Both legislative efforts signify a major shift in U.S. crypto policy, addressing the need for regulation amidst growing market activity.