Crypto's Congressional Clock: What's Left on the Table?

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Crypto's Congressional Clock: What's Left on the Table?</h1> <p style="text-align: center;">With less than 40 legislative days remaining, the crypto industry faces a race against time for crucial regulatory progress.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>You’re reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. <strong>Click here</strong> to sign up for future editions.</em></p> <hr> <h2 style="font-size: 2.5em; margin-top: 30px;">Less Than 40 Days: A Critical Window</h2> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">The Narrative: A Ticking Clock for Crypto Wins</h3> <p>With Congress back in session, the focus sharpens on crypto initiatives. Key components include the nomination of Mike Selig for Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair, the ongoing development of market structure legislation, and other pressing crypto matters. For the crypto industry, locking in the momentum gained from the 2024 election is paramount. While the <mark>GENIUS Act</mark> provided a strong foundation for crypto businesses, and regulatory bodies like the SEC and CFTC are actively shaping new rules, the comprehensive market structure bill remains a work in progress. As Congress has less than 40 legislative days left this year and only a few months in the next before the crucial midterm election cycle, the window for substantial progress is rapidly closing.</p> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">Why It Matters: Seizing the Moment</h3> <p>The current legislative climate presents a critical juncture for the digital asset sector. The proposed market structure bill, if passed, could significantly clarify the regulatory landscape, fostering innovation while providing necessary investor protections. The confirmation of key regulators like Mike Selig is also vital for ensuring experienced leadership within agencies tasked with overseeing this evolving market. For businesses operating in the blockchain and digital asset space, understanding these legislative developments is not just about compliance; it's about navigating the future of finance and ensuring that the United States remains competitive on the global stage. At companies like <strong>Maika</strong>, we understand the profound impact of regulatory clarity. Our solutions are designed to help businesses of all sizes adapt to evolving compliance frameworks, ensuring they can leverage emerging technologies like tokenization with confidence and agility.</p> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">Breaking It Down: Progress and Sticking Points</h3> <h4 style="font-size: 1.4em;">Regulatory Appointments Move Forward</h4> <p>The Senate Agriculture Committee has taken a step forward by voting 13-11 to advance CFTC Chair nominee Mike Selig's name to the full Senate for a floor vote. Should he secure a majority, Selig is expected to be sworn in shortly. Selig has emphasized the CFTC's crucial role in addressing digital asset markets, specifically mentioning on-chain markets and intermediaries. He stated during his hearing, <q>The CFTC has a critical mission to protect these markets. This is a real opportunity to develop a framework that can allow for software developers to thrive, for new exchanges to crop up that are going to protect investors and have the types of controls that you would expect in an exchange and make sure that we have the right disclosure requirements that we have typically in our financial markets.</q></p> <p>Similarly, the Senate Banking Committee has advanced the nomination of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Acting Chair Travis Hill to be the regulator's fully confirmed chair. These advancements signal a move towards establishing leadership within key financial regulatory bodies.</p> <h4 style="font-size: 1.4em;">Market Structure Bill: The Main Event</h4> <p>However, the central piece of legislation – the market structure bill – remains in a state of flux. The Agriculture Committee's recent draft includes provisions that could spark debate, particularly concerning conflicts of interest. This discussion draft is expected to undergo further revisions before a markup and vote can occur. Furthermore, the scrutiny of the Trump family's crypto businesses continues, with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jack Reed seeking information from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the Attorney General regarding allegations of token sales by Trump-linked World Liberty Financial to illicit actors, including those in sanctioned regions.</p> <p>The Banking Committee appears closer to a markup. While a revised draft bill hasn't been published recently, negotiations between Republicans and Democrats are reportedly ongoing. Senator Tim Scott, Chair of the Banking Committee, expressed frustration with what he described as Democratic delays in an interview with Fox News. He stated, <q>The Democrats have been stalling and stalling and stalling because they don't want President Trump to make America the crypto capital of the world. They don't want to give them the win. It's not just for President Trump. It's for the American people, single moms like the one that raised me.</q> Scott remains optimistic, however, suggesting the bill could reach the Senate floor in early 2026, enabling President Trump to sign legislation aimed at solidifying America's position as a global crypto hub.</p> <h4 style="font-size: 1.4em;">The Urgency of Time</h4> <p>The legislative calendar is unforgiving. Congress will be out of session for Thanksgiving next week, leaving only a few precious weeks in December before the Christmas and New Year holidays. This compressed timeline underscores the urgency for lawmakers to find common ground and advance critical legislation that will shape the future of digital assets.</p> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">This Week in Crypto Legislation</h3> <ul> <li><p><strong>Thanksgiving Holiday:</strong> U.S. Congress is out of session for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reconvene next week.</p></li> </ul> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">Looking Ahead: Navigating the Evolving Landscape</h3> <p>The path forward for crypto regulation in the U.S. is complex and time-sensitive. For business owners and fanpage administrators navigating this landscape, staying informed is crucial. Understanding these legislative currents can help in strategic planning, anticipating market shifts, and ensuring compliance. Tools that offer clarity and actionable insights into the digital asset space are invaluable.</p> <p>At <strong>RWA Times</strong>, we are dedicated to providing that clarity. Our advanced AI-powered platform meticulously analyzes and categorizes news related to the <strong>Tokenized Real-World Asset (RWA)</strong> sector. We transform raw information into structured, data-driven market intelligence, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. From understanding the nuances of regulatory frameworks to identifying emerging asset types and market trends, our Intelligence Engine empowers you to make informed decisions.</p> <p>While Congress grapples with establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, businesses can still prepare and adapt. Implementing robust compliance solutions, exploring the potential of asset tokenization, and staying ahead of technological advancements are key steps. We believe that proactive engagement with these developments, supported by reliable intelligence, is the surest path to success in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance.</p> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">Share Your Thoughts</h3> <p>If you have thoughts or questions about upcoming legislative developments, or feedback on our insights, feel free to reach out to us. We are always eager to engage with our community.</p> <hr> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em;">You Might Also Be Interested In:</h3> <ul> <li> <h4>Protocol Research: GoPlus Security</h4> <p><strong>What to know:</strong> As of October 2025, GoPlus has generated $4.7M in total revenue. The GoPlus App is the primary driver, contributing $2.5M (approx. 53%), followed by the SafeToken Protocol at $1.7M. Their Token Security API averaged 717 million monthly calls year-to-date in 2025, with a peak of nearly 1 billion calls in February 2025. Since its January 2025 launch, the $GPS token has registered over $5B in total spot volume and $10B in derivatives volume.</p> <p><a href="/research/protocol-research-goplus-security">View Full Report</a></p> </li> <li> <h4>U.S. House Bill Would Allow Federal Taxes in BTC While Aiding U.S. Reserve</h4> <p><strong>What to know:</strong> Rep. Warren Davidson introduced the <strong>Bitcoin for America Act</strong> to allow federal tax payments in bitcoin without capital gains liability, aiming to bolster the proposed U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This initiative highlights innovative approaches to integrating digital assets into traditional financial and governmental systems.</p> <p><a href="/policy/2025/11/21/u-s-house-bill-would-allow-federal-taxes-in-btc-while-aiding-u-s-reserve">Read full story</a></p> </li> </ul> <h3 style="font-size: 1.8em; margin-top: 40px;">Stay Informed, Stay Ahead</h3> <p>Navigating the fast-paced world of crypto and its intersection with regulation requires timely and accurate information. At <strong>RWA Times</strong>, we are committed to delivering precisely that. Our AI-driven insights help you understand the market, anticipate regulatory shifts, and identify opportunities in the rapidly expanding tokenization landscape.</p> <div style="background-color: #e0f7fa; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; margin-top: 30px;"> <h4 style="font-size: 1.6em; color: #00796b;">Ready to Decode the Tokenization Revolution?</h4> <p>Tired of sifting through endless news to find relevant insights on tokenized real-world assets? <strong>RWA Times</strong> offers a structured, intelligent approach to market analysis. Discover how our AI can help you stay ahead of the curve. <strong>Visit our website today to learn more about our advanced analytics and how they can empower your business decisions.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="#" style="background-color: #00796b; color: white; padding: 12px 25px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: bold;">Explore RWA Times Intelligence</a></p> </div>