The United States Senate has once again delayed consideration of a comprehensive crypto bill, prioritizing legislation aimed at addressing the rising cost of living, particularly in the housing sector. This move has significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry, which has been awaiting regulatory clarity for some time.
The Senate Banking Committee’s decision to push back the markup of the crypto bill has been attributed to pressure from the Trump administration to focus on housing affordability ahead of the 2026 congressional elections. Housing costs have been identified as a key driver of inflation for American households, and lawmakers are seeking to address this issue through legislation. For instance, they are drafting laws to prevent large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, which could potentially impact the housing market.
Delay in Crypto Bill Markup
According to a report by Bloomberg on January 22, the Senate Banking Committee is expected to delay its markup of the long-awaited bill on the structure of the digital asset market by several weeks, pushing the timeline to late February or March. This delay is likely to give industry groups more time to lobby lawmakers for changes that could gain broader support. The crypto bill aims to create a federal framework for digital assets, splitting oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The proposal would see the CFTC oversee digital commodities like Bitcoin (BTC), while the SEC continues to oversee securities tokens. Industry groups argue that the bill would help maintain innovation in the cryptocurrency space in the US and provide much-needed regulatory clarity. However, critics like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong have raised concerns about the provisions impacting stablecoin rewards and tokenized stocks, which led to the initial postponement of the bill on January 15.
Impact on the Cryptocurrency Industry
The delay in the crypto bill markup has significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry. The lack of regulatory clarity has been a major concern for investors and businesses operating in the space. The proposed legislation aims to address this issue, but the delay may lead to further uncertainty and volatility in the market. On the other hand, the delay could also provide an opportunity for industry groups to lobby for changes that could benefit the industry in the long run.
Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee has released its own GOP-led bill, which expands the CFTC’s authority over digital goods. However, the proposal lacks the full support of Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker. Any final legislation would require the Agriculture and Banking Committee versions to be merged before moving to a full vote in the Senate. Industry estimates suggest that the bill’s likelihood of passage without major compromises is relatively low, ranging from 20% to 30%.
In conclusion, the delay in the crypto bill markup is a significant development in the US cryptocurrency landscape. While it may provide an opportunity for industry groups to lobby for changes, it also raises concerns about the lack of regulatory clarity and the potential impact on the industry. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and their implications for the cryptocurrency market.
Source: https://crypto.news/us-crypto-bill-markup-delay-housing-bill-focus-2026/
