U.S. lawmakers revived talks on crypto market structure rules this week. On January 15, senators and White House officials signaled growing alignment despite recent delays. The negotiations involve Congress, the White House, and industry leaders, aiming to define federal oversight for digital assets through bipartisan compromise.
Senate Leaders Emphasize Progress in Negotiations
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott continues leading active negotiations. Senator Cynthia Lummis credited Scott’s leadership for keeping talks alive. She said lawmakers are “closer than ever” to delivering regulatory clarity for digital assets.
Lummis described the process as collaborative rather than stalled. She added that discussions remain ongoing among lawmakers, regulators, and industry participants. Notably, she tied progress to keeping innovation anchored within the United States.
Senator Bill Hagerty echoed that optimism in a separate post. He compared the effort to negotiations behind the GENIUS Act. Hagerty described that legislation as a milestone for U.S. crypto policy.
White House Signals Continued Commitment
Meanwhile, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks reinforced executive branch support. He said passage of market structure legislation remains closer than ever. Sacks urged industry participants to use the pause to resolve remaining disagreements.
In another statement, Sacks confirmed direct White House engagement. He said officials continue working with Chairman Scott, committee members, and stakeholders. According to Sacks, the goal remains swift passage of bipartisan legislation.
However, this official unity faces resistance from parts of the private sector. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly opposed the current draft. He said the bill is worse than existing regulatory conditions.
Industry Concerns Complicate the Timeline
Armstrong raised objections to limits on tokenized equities and decentralized finance. He also criticized provisions affecting stablecoin rewards. According to Armstrong, these measures could restrict competition and consumer choice.
Despite Coinbase’s withdrawal, other industry leaders remain engaged. Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi warned that abandoning talks would lock in uncertainty. Digital Chamber CEO Cody Carbone also urged continued negotiations.
The Senate Banking Committee postponed its planned hearing after Coinbase’s decision. The Senate Agriculture Committee rescheduled its session for later January. Both committees must reconcile their versions before a final vote.