US Senate Delays Crypto Market Structure Markup to 2026 Amid Bipartisan Talks; Bitcoin Drops $5K

• Postponement to 2026: The committee confirmed no markup this year, focusing on bipartisan progress.

• Crypto markets reacted with a 3.6% dip, as Bitcoin fell nearly $5,000 amid the news.

• Legislation targets oversight by SEC and CFTC, with midterm elections potentially adding further delays in 2026.

US Senate delays crypto market structure hearings to 2026 amid bipartisan talks. Discover impacts on Bitcoin and regulations. Stay informed on digital asset laws—read now for expert insights.

What is the latest update on US Senate crypto market structure hearings?

US Senate delays crypto market structure hearings to early 2026, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott. The postponement follows substantial progress in bipartisan discussions on digital asset legislation. This move prioritizes a comprehensive, unified approach to regulating crypto markets, ensuring clarity for the industry.

How will midterm elections impact the crypto legislation process?

The US Senate’s delay of crypto market structure hearings until 2026 coincides with upcoming midterm elections, where all House seats and 33 Senate seats will be contested. Such elections often slow legislative progress, as political focus shifts to campaigns and potential changes in congressional composition. Experts note that bipartisan bills like this one could face additional hurdles if party dynamics shift, based on historical patterns from previous election cycles. For instance, during the 2022 midterms, similar financial reforms saw extended debates. Crypto investor Paul Barron highlighted that early 2026 timing may still be at risk, emphasizing the need for sustained negotiations. According to reports from sources like Cointelegraph, the legislation seeks to define roles for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), with the CFTC positioned as the primary regulator for spot crypto markets. This structure would provide long-sought clarity, reducing regulatory overlaps that have plagued the sector. Data from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget indicates that election-year sessions average 20% fewer bill passages in finance committees, underscoring potential delays. Industry stakeholders, including representatives from major exchanges, have urged swift action to foster innovation without excessive federal intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the delay in the US Senate’s crypto market structure markup?

The US Senate Banking Committee delayed the markup due to ongoing bipartisan negotiations aimed at producing robust digital asset legislation. Chair Tim Scott’s spokesperson emphasized good-faith discussions with Democrats to ensure the bill provides regulatory clarity and positions the US as the global crypto capital. This process, while promising, requires more time than initially anticipated for 2025.

Will the 2026 delay affect Bitcoin and crypto market prices?

The announcement led to an immediate market reaction, with spot crypto markets dipping 3.6% and Bitcoin dropping nearly $5,000 from $90,000 to $85,000 in late trading on Monday. While short-term volatility is evident, long-term effects depend on the final legislation’s content. Natural language searches for voice assistants often highlight such reactions as typical in uncertain regulatory environments, where investors await clearer guidelines.

Key Takeaways

• Bipartisan Focus: The delay underscores Chairman Scott’s commitment to collaborative legislation, avoiding rushed partisan measures.
• Market Impact: A $150 billion outflow contributed to the 3.6% decline, with Bitcoin’s price drop reflecting investor caution.
• Future Outlook: Midterm elections in 2026 could complicate passage—monitor negotiations closely for opportunities to engage with policymakers.

Conclusion

The US Senate’s decision to delay crypto market structure hearings until 2026 highlights the complexities of bipartisan regulatory efforts in the digital asset space. By prioritizing thorough negotiations, the Senate Banking Committee aims to deliver legislation that clarifies SEC and CFTC oversight, ultimately benefiting the crypto market structure. As markets stabilize post-dip, stakeholders should prepare for potential election-related shifts, staying proactive in advocating for innovation-friendly rules that solidify America’s leadership in cryptocurrency.

The Senate Banking Committee delayed crypto market structure hearings until 2026 amid ongoing bipartisan negotiations.

The US Senate Banking Committee has postponed markup hearings on crypto market structure legislation until 2026, despite earlier hopes for a hearing this week.

In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for Senate Banking Committee chair Tim Scott confirmed that the committee will not hold a market structure markup this year.

“Chairman Scott and the Senate Banking Committee have made strong progress with Democratic counterparts on bipartisan digital asset market structure legislation,” the spokesperson said.

They added that Chairman Scott had been clear that the effort should be bipartisan.

“He has consistently and patiently engaged in good-faith discussions to produce a strong bipartisan product that provides clarity for the digital asset industry and also makes America the crypto capital of the world,” he added.

“The Committee is continuing to negotiate and looks forward to a markup in early 2026.”

🇺🇸 NEW: The US Senate Banking Committee confirms that it will not hold a crypto market structure markup in 2025, now pushed to early 2026 following bipartisan discussions. pic.twitter.com/UWdhHQNym7

— Cointelegraph (December 16, 2025)

Midterm elections could further delay the process

The delay has disappointed some in the crypto industry, which had hoped for more substantial regulatory progress in 2025.

“The Market Structure Bill has fallen apart on the markup phase in the Senate … Early 2026 may also be in jeopardy as well,” said crypto investor and researcher Paul Barron.

The legislation aims to clarify how the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversee crypto markets, with the latter designated as the primary spot market regulator.

Related: Senator Lummis anticipates crypto market structure markup next week

Midterm elections are being held in 2026, during which all House and 33 Senate seats will be contested. This can often delay or further complicate the passage of bipartisan legislation.

Spot crypto markets dip on Monday

It also remains unclear how quickly markup hearings will resume in 2026, as Congress will immediately focus on funding the federal government when it returns from its holiday break. The current funding bill expires on Jan. 30, so crypto legislation could be put on the back burner.

Crypto markets declined 3.6% as around $150 billion left the space in a matter of hours in late trading on Monday. Bitcoin (BTC) lost almost $5,000, dropping from just below $90,000 to just above $85,000, according to TradingView, and it has yet to recover.

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