US Crypto Market Structure Bill Discussions Continue Amid Historic Government Shutdown
Key US lawmakers are advancing discussions on digital asset legislation despite the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in American history at 36 days. Republican Senator John Boozman and Democratic Senator Cory Booker plan to meet with White House crypto czar David Sacks to deliberate the market structure bill currently before the Senate.
The legislative process faces complications as furloughed agency staff—typically providing technical expertise—remain unavailable. While the bill passed the House in July with bipartisan support, debates over DeFi protocol provisions and operational disruptions from the shutdown have slowed Senate progress.
Initial ambitions for a 2024 signing have faded, with some policy analysts projecting a timeline extending into 2026. Patrick Witt of Trump's Digital Assets Advisory Council notes the shutdown has paradoxically increased lawmaker engagement, though the administration maintains a 2025 deadline for finalizing the legislation.