Senate Delays Crypto Market Bill Markup to January’s Final Week

TLDR

• The Senate Agriculture Committee has delayed the crypto market structure bill markup to the last week of January.
• Senator John Boozman confirmed the delay was to finalize remaining details and ensure broad bipartisan support.
• The markup was originally scheduled for January 15 but will now take place at the end of the month.
• Discussions between Senator Boozman and Senator Cory Booker continued over the weekend to resolve key policy issues.
• The Senate Banking Committee will still hold its own markup on January 15 as originally planned.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has postponed its markup of the crypto market structure bill until the last week of January, citing the need for broader support, according to Chair Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), who confirmed the decision in a statement issued Monday. The markup, originally set for January 15, will now give lawmakers more time to finalize discussions and amendments. The decision follows a weekend of ongoing negotiations and policy discussions between bipartisan lawmakers.

Agriculture Committee Pushes Markup to Secure Broad Backing

Sen. Boozman stated the committee will use the delay to finalize key bill provisions and secure bipartisan agreement on the crypto market structure bill. “To finalize the remaining details and ensure the broad support this legislation requires, additional time is needed before moving to markup,” Boozman said. The Agriculture Committee now plans to hold the markup during the final week of January.

Originally, the markup was scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15, the same day the Senate Banking Committee intends to meet. While the Agriculture Committee pushed its schedule, the Senate Banking Committee’s markup is still set for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. That hearing will allow lawmakers to propose amendments and debate the bill before deciding whether it moves forward.

Talks continued over the weekend, and Boozman said the committee made progress with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and his team. “We have made meaningful progress and had constructive discussions as we work toward this goal,” Boozman said. He emphasized his commitment to advancing bipartisan crypto market legislation.

Banking Committee to Proceed With Scheduled Markup

While the Agriculture Committee delays, the Senate Banking Committee is still on track to begin its markup session this Thursday. Lawmakers expect the text of the Banking Committee’s version of the bill to be released on Monday. However, sources familiar with the process said the text may not be available until Tuesday morning.

Once released, senators on the committee will have until Tuesday evening to propose amendments for Thursday’s hearing. The markup will allow lawmakers from both parties to offer input and negotiate specific provisions. Final votes will determine whether the bill advances to the Senate floor.

Lawmakers have continued working across party lines to reach consensus on multiple aspects of the proposed legislation. The crypto market structure bill remains a priority item as discussions focus on regulatory clarity. Both committees appear aligned on maintaining momentum through January.

The Banking Committee’s decision to proceed reflects urgency to push the legislative process forward. While not all details are finalized, lawmakers appear committed to continued progress. The delay in the Agriculture Committee is not expected to halt the broader legislative timeline.

Boozman Reaffirms Support for Bipartisan Progress

Boozman emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in developing effective crypto regulation. He highlighted the engagement of Sen. Booker and others in crafting the legislation. “I appreciate the leadership and engagement of Senator Booker and his team as we address these complex policy issues,” he added.

The committee continues to work on provisions that address market structure, regulatory authority, and enforcement powers. Boozman confirmed the delay was strategic, not procedural. The added time aims to ensure durable support for the bill.

The crypto market structure bill has seen growing interest in both chambers as lawmakers aim for clarity and consumer protection. Discussions include jurisdiction over spot markets, exchange registration, and stablecoin oversight. The bill is part of a broader push for clearer digital asset policy.

The final week of January now becomes the key target for the Agriculture Committee’s markup. This shift sets up parallel discussions in both committees as legislative efforts continue. Senate leaders expect final markup details to be confirmed in the coming days.

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