Crypto Market Bill Nears Jan 29 Vote as Shutdown Clock Puts $1T Industry on Edge
Washington is approaching its most significant crypto vote in years. A long-delayed crypto market structure bill is scheduled...
Quick overview
- Washington is set for a crucial crypto vote on January 29, with a long-delayed market structure bill moving forward after key amendments were withdrawn.
- The legislation aims to clarify the US crypto regulatory framework, defining oversight roles between the SEC and CFTC and establishing clearer rules for digital assets.
- Supporters believe the bill could enhance institutional participation and reduce compliance uncertainty, impacting how crypto products are launched and regulated in the US.
- With government funding set to expire on January 31, the urgency of the markup increases, as a partial shutdown could disrupt legislative progress.
Washington is approaching its most significant crypto vote in years. A long-delayed crypto market structure bill is scheduled for committee markup on January 29, following Senate Democrats’ decision not to reintroduce amendments that could have stalled progress.
The breakthrough followed resolution of a dispute over credit-card swipe-fee provisions. Senator Roger Marshall had proposed an amendment requiring payment networks to compete on fees, which could have broadened the bill’s scope to include payments issues. After weekend negotiations, Marshall agreed to withdraw the proposal.
According to Politico, White House officials privately warned that advancing the amendment could jeopardize the bill. Senator Dick Durbin, a frequent critic of crypto-related consumer risks, also chose not to escalate objections before the markup. This alignment enables the bill to move forward.
What the Crypto Market Bill Aims to Fix
The legislation aims to clarify the fragmented US crypto regulatory framework. It defines oversight responsibilities between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and establishes clearer rules for digital assets that function as commodities.
🚨BREAKING🚨
The U.S. Senate will now vote on the crypto market structure bill on Jan 29 after delays from extreme weather.
If it passes, analysts say it could cut market manipulation by up to 70%.
A regulatory reset this big doesn’t come often, eyes on Monday. 👀📉📈 pic.twitter.com/koJiQcrx9N
— cryptothedoggy (@cryptothedoggy) January 26, 2026
Supporters believe the bill could encourage institutional participation and reduce compliance uncertainty that has driven innovation offshore. For traders and firms, jurisdictional clarity could significantly impact how crypto products are launched, traded, and regulated in the US.
Key Amendments Still in Although the main obstacle has been resolved, several issues remain and will be discussed during the January 29 session:ssion:
- Tighter anti-fraud rules for crypto ATMs
- A formal ban on taxpayer bailouts for crypto issuers
- Additional consumer-protection and compliance provisions
These amendments are unlikely to impede progress, but they may influence the bill’s final scope and enforcement provisions.
Shutdown Risk Raises the Stakes
Timing is critical. Government funding is critical. Government funding expires on January 31, and Senate Democrats have indicated opposition to the current stopgap package. A partial shutdown could disrupt legislative momentum and delay floor action, increasing the urgency of this week’s markup. With bipartisan hurdles easing and the clock ticking, the bill is increasingly seen as a near-term win for regulatory clarity. That narrative has already fed into broader crypto optimism, reinforcing the view that US policymakers are edging closer to a workable framework for a trillion-dollar asset class.
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