US Senator Lummis Says Crypto Market Structure Bill Will Become Law by 2026

The debate over crypto regulation in the United States has been going on for years, but change now seems closer. At the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, Senator Cynthia Lummis said she expects a full crypto market structure bill to reach President Donald Trump before the end of 2025, opening the way for new rules in 2026. Her comments support what many in the industry already expect: clearer rules on how cryptocurrencies are classified, traded, and monitored.

How the Bill Moves Forward?

Lummis said the bill is now with the Senate Banking Committee, where a vote is expected in late September. In October, it will move to the Senate Agriculture Committee. These two groups matter most because they oversee the SEC and CFTC, the agencies that have the biggest impact on crypto.

This process is more than just routine. For years, the crypto industry has criticized “regulation by enforcement,” where court cases and agency disputes left companies without clear rules. By sending the bill through both committees, lawmakers want to make the roles of the SEC and CFTC clearer, deciding if tokens should be treated as securities or commodities.

Republicans also say they want to build on progress already made. In July, the House passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act with 78 Democrats supporting it. Lummis explained that the Senate bill will likely use CLARITY as a base, keeping the bipartisan work while adjusting details.

Observers believe this approach gives the bill a better chance. Since both chambers are working from the same text, it stands a stronger shot at passing even if debates heat up.

Growing Support Across Parties

Crypto legislation has often stalled in the Senate due to partisan splits, but this time it might be different. Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott suggested that a dozen or more Democrats could vote in favor of the market structure bill.

House support is already bipartisan, but the Senate requires careful negotiation. Democrats often worry about consumer protection and speculative trading, though some are now open to rules that address these concerns while supporting the market.

Outside politics, the crypto industry is pressing for clarity. Exchanges, custodians, and fintech firms warn that unclear rules push innovation overseas. Coinbase and Kraken have highlighted that European companies benefit from the MiCA framework while U.S. firms lag behind.

Bipartisan backing does not guarantee a smooth process. Senators will likely focus on disclosure, stablecoin rules, and custody standards, which could change business operations. The real question is how much adjustment the bill needs to get Senate approval.

Other Crypto Bills in Motion

While Lummis focuses on market structure, other crypto bills are waiting. The House passed the GENIUS Act to regulate payment stablecoins and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which would restrict the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency. The GENIUS Act has already become law.

The anti-CBDC measure is more divisive, with little support in the House, and is unlikely to move forward in the Senate. Lummis has indicated discussions over CBDCs may last until 2026.

For the industry, starting with market structure is practical. It clarifies licensing and regulatory responsibilities, giving companies guidance before tackling larger debates about digital currencies. The framework could also shape how stablecoins and CBDCs are viewed in the future.

What Does It Mean?

Senator Lummis’s confident remarks signal optimism. They indicate a unique moment in which political strategy and market demand are moving in sync. U.S. crypto regulation has long been defined by uncertainty, legal battles, and inconsistent enforcement. A comprehensive market structure bill potentially reaching the president by the end of 2025 would mark a major shift.

Of course, Washington timelines are never certain. Yet for the first time in years, the industry has a clear roadmap with measurable milestones.