Record U.S. Government Shutdown Halts Crypto Legislation Progress
The U.S. government shutdown, now in its second month, has become the second-longest in history, surpassing 30 days as of November 2025. A continuation through mid-week would break the 35-day record set during a prior budgetary impasse. Congressional gridlock has derailed critical cryptocurrency legislation, including an October 20 hearing on market structure bills that was meant to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets.
Market participants are monitoring the Senate Agriculture Committee's draft legislation as a potential path forward. Should the shutdown resolve before Thanksgiving, a markup hearing could signal renewed momentum for crypto policy. Meanwhile, federal court rulings mandating the restoration of SNAP benefits have altered the political calculus, with Democrats potentially softening healthcare premium demands to reach a funding compromise.
