Senate Agriculture Committee Delays Crypto Market Structure Bill Markup to Late January

Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), chair of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, announced Monday that the committee has decided to delay the markup of major crypto market structure legislation until the last week of January. The markup had originally been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15, but lawmakers opted for a short postponement to allow more time to secure broad bipartisan support.

In a public statement, Boozman emphasized that the delay is strategic and aimed at strengthening the bill’s chances of advancing through Congress. He noted that additional discussions are needed to finalize remaining policy details and ensure the legislation reflects consensus across party lines. According to Boozman, the committee believes that taking extra time now will lead to a more durable and widely supported regulatory framework for the digital asset industry.

The Senate Agriculture Committee plays a key role in shaping crypto regulation, particularly regarding oversight of digital commodity markets. As debates continue over how best to regulate cryptocurrencies in the United States, lawmakers from both parties have been negotiating the scope and structure of the proposed legislation, which is expected to define regulatory authority and provide clearer rules for the crypto market.

Boozman highlighted that lawmakers made “meaningful progress” over the weekend during talks with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and his staff. He described the discussions as constructive and said they helped move the legislation closer to a bipartisan agreement. Boozman also reiterated his commitment to advancing crypto market structure legislation that can gain support from both Democrats and Republicans.

“I remain committed to advancing bipartisan crypto market structure legislation,” Boozman said, adding that he appreciates Booker’s leadership and engagement as lawmakers work through complex policy issues surrounding digital assets.

The decision to push the markup to late January signals ongoing momentum for crypto regulation in Congress, even as negotiations continue. If successful, the legislation could mark a significant step toward regulatory clarity for the U.S. cryptocurrency industry, an issue closely watched by investors, policymakers, and market participants alike.