The U.S. Senate’s efforts to regulate digital assets have encountered a significant setback. Senator Cynthia Lummis has indicated that the Senate Banking Committee may postpone its scheduled markup of the crypto market structure bill. This potential delay stems from the unexpected withdrawal of support for the bill by the major cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, as reported by Bloomberg.
Coinbase's decision represents a notable change in stance, given the company's prior advocacy for clearer regulatory frameworks. Their endorsement had previously contributed to the bill's legitimacy, which aims to establish a more structured and stable environment for crypto trading and related financial products within the United States.
Senator Lummis Signals Postponement
Senator Lummis, a consistent proponent of cryptocurrency, expressed her disappointment regarding Coinbase's withdrawal. She suggested that this development could likely push back the legislative timeline for the bill. The Senator emphasized that without Coinbase's endorsement, achieving bipartisan consensus for the legislation becomes considerably more challenging. The crypto market structure bill was anticipated to be a landmark moment for digital asset policy in the U.S., but it now faces additional obstacles.
This situation highlights the persistent tension between lawmakers and cryptocurrency firms concerning regulatory approaches. While some entities within the crypto space actively seek clear rules, others remain apprehensive about increased government oversight.
NOW: Senator Cynthia Lummis expects Senate Banking Committee to delay Thursday's crypto market structure bill markup after Coinbase withdrew support, per Bloomberg.
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) January 15, 2026
What’s Next for Crypto Regulation?
The postponement of the markup session means that investors and participants in the crypto industry will have to wait longer for potential clarity on how crypto markets will be governed. Lawmakers may find it necessary to revise certain sections of the bill or to directly address the concerns raised by Coinbase and other relevant stakeholders.
This episode underscores a broader challenge: the formation of a stable policy framework for cryptocurrencies remains a complex endeavor without unified support from major industry players and the establishment of bipartisan political agreement.