Regulation
|3 min ReadDemocrats open door to bipartisan crypto market structure bill
Maya Chen
Senior Analyst
Published
Jan 16, 2026
Bipartisan signals emerge
Fifteen hours ago, a group of 12 Democratic senators said they will work with Republicans on a digital asset market structure. They include members of the Senate Banking Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee. They issued a public statement ahead of an expected vote in the Senate Banking Committee on a Republican-backed bill. The Democrats wrote, “We hope our Republican colleagues will agree to a bipartisan authorship process, as is the norm for legislation of this scale.” They want fast progress and real collaboration. The statement is posted by Senator Ruben Gallego’s office and is available here.
Republicans hold a majority in both chambers. They may still need some Democratic votes to get this done. That is why this signal matters. It raises the odds of clear rules. Clear rules unlock capital.
What Democrats want
Two weeks ago, Democrats outlined seven pillars for a market structure bill. They called for protections to fight illicit finance and for closing the gap in the spot market for assets that are not securities. They also asked for measures to prevent corruption and abuse, and to address illicit finance. This is standard guardrail work. Markets love guardrails when they bring certainty.
One name is missing. Senator Elizabeth Warren did not sign the statement. In an August interview, she said digital assets need regulation, but she will not support legislation “written by the crypto industry.” That is her line in the sand. It does not stop the process. It defines the negotiation.
Republicans looking to pass market structure by 2026
Last week, crypto executives, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, met with Republican lawmakers to map a path for bills. The House already passed its version, the CLARITY Act, in July. Senate Republicans plan to build their own text. It is tentatively called the Responsible Financial Innovation Act.
Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis says the bill is expected to get a Senate Banking Committee vote by the end of September. Republicans expect Banking and Agriculture to consider it before a full Senate vote by year end. That is a real calendar. It puts a finish line in sight, with an eye toward full passage by 2026.
This is the moment when rules take shape. When rules take shape, money chooses winners. If you wait for certainty, it will be priced in. The bold position early. The careful follow later.
Disclaimer: This document is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed in this document are not, and should not be taken as, investment advice or recommendations. Recipients should do their own due diligence, taking into account their specific financial circumstances, investment objectives and risk tolerance, which are not considered here, before investing. This document is not an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell any of the assets mentioned.