U.S. Senate Delays Crypto Market Structure Bill Again, What’s Behind the Hold Up 🏛️

The U.S. Senate has confirmed that it will not hold a hearing on the crypto market structure bill this year, pushing progress into 2026. The delay comes despite earlier expectations that lawmakers could advance the bill before year end.

🔑 Key Highlights

✅ Senate confirms crypto market structure bill delayed until 2026

✅ Talks between Chairman Tim Scott and Democrats continue behind the scenes

✅ Lawmakers insist the bill is still alive and bipartisan

✅ Updates expected in early 2026

Why it matters

According to sources close to the Senate Banking Committee, no hearing will be scheduled before Congress breaks for the holidays. This effectively ends hopes of a markup or vote in 2025, even though Chairman Tim Scott had previously suggested the bill could move forward in mid December.

While the delay disappointed the crypto industry, committee officials say negotiations between Republicans and Democrats are making progress. Scott has repeatedly emphasized that any crypto market structure legislation must be bipartisan, a stance that has slowed the process but could increase the bill’s long term viability.

Timing is a major factor. When Congress returns from recess, lawmakers will immediately face pressure to avoid a federal government shutdown, with the current spending authorization expiring on January 30. As the year advances, attention is also expected to shift toward midterm elections, making passage of major legislation more difficult.