Crypto Bill Talks Continue Ahead of Senators’ Call with David Sacks Amid Shutdown

While the United States faces its longest government shutdown in history, Senate lawmakers continue to work on the digital asset market structure bill. The legislation aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for the crypto industry. Reports indicate that discussions are ongoing, suggesting that the shutdown has not derailed progress on the measure.

Senate Talks Continue Amid Shutdown

According to Politico, citing sources familiar with the matter, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman and Senator Cory Booker were expected to hold a call with White House crypto and AI adviser David Sacks. The call was intended to advance the Agriculture Committee’s work on completing its section of the crypto market structure legislation.

The committee, which oversees matters related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is reportedly nearing completion of its draft. Boozman mentioned the draft could be ready soon, with staff targeting a Friday release, but the timeline could stretch beyond that.

Progress and Challenges for Crypto Legislation

While the bill is seen as a major step for crypto regulation, its journey has hit some roadblocks. After clearing the House of Representatives in July, many expected it to advance through the Senate with bipartisan support. Progress has slowed, however, as Democrats push for clearer rules governing decentralized finance. On top of that, the ongoing government shutdown has added another layer of difficulty, making it harder for lawmakers to move the measure forward.

These challenges have also raised questions about the bill’s timeline. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis noted last week that Congress has until early next year—around January or February—to approve crypto legislation before the 2026 midterm elections create additional obstacles.

So, what are other lawmakers saying about the market structure bill? Some senators have shared their views on its progress and the challenges it faces.

• Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming, a supporter of the bill in the Senate Banking Committee, said her team is working daily to build support and that the bipartisan negotiations are moving steadily, though passing the bill this year seems unlikely
• Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy described the bill as one of the most complex pieces of legislation he has seen and said he remains cautiously optimistic about its progress

Crypto Market Bill Faces Uncertainty from Shutdown

In addition to senators’ perspectives, other experts have commented on the hurdles facing the bill. Patrick Witt, executive director of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, said the ongoing government shutdown has created some challenges in the legislative process. 

He explained that while lawmakers have had more time to engage because of fewer scheduled meetings, the absence of agency staff has limited the availability of specialized knowledge needed to fully review the proposal.

Meanwhile, data from Polymarket shows that traders are uncertain about when the government shutdown will end. Current estimates suggest a 50% chance it concludes by November 15, with expectations increasing for later dates: 91% foresee a resolution by November 30, 96% by December 31, and nearly all at 99% by January 31, 2026. If the shutdown continues, it could further slow progress on the crypto market structure bill.