US Senate Pushes Crypto Market Structure Bill to 2026, What Does it Mean?

The US Senate Banking Committee has delayed markup hearings on crypto market structure legislation until 2026, ending expectations that lawmakers would advance the bill before the end of this year. The move comes after earlier signals that a committee hearing could take place this week.

In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott confirmed that no markup will be held in 2025. According to the spokesperson, discussions with Democratic lawmakers are ongoing and have produced steady progress toward a bipartisan framework for regulating digital asset markets.

The spokesperson said Scott has repeatedly stated that any final legislation must have support from both parties. He has taken part in extended negotiations aimed at drafting a bill that gives regulatory clarity to the crypto industry while strengthening the United States’ role in global digital finance. Talks are continuing, with the committee now aiming for a markup in early 2026.

Industry Reaction to the Delay

The delay has frustrated parts of the crypto sector that were hoping for firmer regulatory direction next year. Some industry figures worry the setback could stretch beyond the current timeline. Crypto investor and researcher Paul Barron said the bill has stalled at the markup stage in the Senate and warned that early 2026 could also face risks.

The proposed framework’s draft says that the SEC and the CFTC would share oversight, with the CFTC acting as the main regulator for spot crypto trading. Industry participants have long argued that clearer rules could reduce legal uncertainty and encourage broader participation.

Interestingly, the 2026 midterm elections will see all House seats and 33 Senate seats contested. Historically, election cycles slow progress on bipartisan bills as lawmakers prioritize campaigns.

Market Response and Next Steps

It is also unclear how quickly the committee can resume work when Congress returns in 2026. Lawmakers are expected to focus first on funding the federal government after the holiday recess. The current funding bill expires on Jan. 30, which could push crypto legislation lower on the agenda during the opening weeks of the year.

Market sentiment reflected the uncertainty on Dec. 16. Spot crypto markets fell 3% during early trading, with about $150 billion leaving the sector within a few hours. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $87,000 with 2.8% daily loss. The price has yet to stage a clear recovery but experts are eyeing a rally to new Bitcoin ATH in 2026.

For now, the pause in Senate action leaves the crypto industry waiting. While negotiations continue behind the scenes, the path to a finalized market structure bill appears set to stretch into next year, at least for now.