US Government Shutdown: Crypto Bill May Be Delayed

The federal government shutdown in the U.S. has exceeded 35 days, surpassing the longest period in history. This situation is said to have serious implications for cryptocurrency market regulations. There is a risk of the critical cryptocurrency legislation being delayed again due to political uncertainties.

The ongoing disagreement over securing the government's financial resources has deepened, especially following the unexpectedly strong performance of the Democrats in the recent midterm elections. Relevant sources suggest that this situation could lead to the cryptocurrency legislation being postponed until 2026. According to information from Washington insiders, the government's closure affects not only the economy and public services but also the timeline for the cryptocurrency regulatory bill.

A policy expert indicated that this shutdown would delay the legislative process at all levels, while still expressing that there is a possibility of the bill coming up for a preliminary discussion by Thanksgiving. However, another official emphasized that the likelihood of the law passing by the end of 2025 is weak, with a higher chance of approval by late 2026.

Blockchain Association CEO Summer Mersinger highlighted that the prolonged government shutdown increases the possibility of the cryptocurrency legislation being postponed to 2026. Many experts employed by government agencies are currently on unpaid leave, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of personnel able to work on the technical preparations for the legal text. This situation occurs during a critical period for cryptocurrency market regulations.

White House Director of the Digital Assets Advisory Council Patrick Witt stated in remarks at Ripple’s Swell conference that President Donald Trump aims to reach a final "cryptocurrency market structure law" by the end of 2025. Witt expressed that they are continuing regular discussions with both sides in Congress and have made significant progress recently. He also added that the government shutdown unexpectedly provided an opportunity for the team working on the legislation to engage deeply with congressional members.

In conclusion, it appears that a comprehensive legal framework for the cryptocurrency market in the U.S. may once again be delayed due to political uncertainties. Investors should closely monitor developments during this process and formulate their strategies considering the market dynamics.