Senate Crypto Bill Could Reach Trump by Early 2026

Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott has set an aggressive timeline for cryptocurrency market structure legislation, telling Fox Business that he aims to conduct committee markups in December with the objective of sending the bill to President Donald Trump for signature by early 2026. This announcement represents one of the most concrete timelines yet for comprehensive crypto regulation in the United States, signaling growing political momentum behind establishing clear rules for digital assets. The proposed schedule would see the legislation move through both relevant committees before reaching the Senate floor early next year, creating a clear pathway for potential enactment.

The accelerated timeline reflects the increasing priority that Republican leadership is placing on cryptocurrency regulation as a means of positioning the United States competitively in the global digital economy. Scott’s public commitment to this schedule through his Fox Business interview demonstrates the political significance attached to this legislation, which he described as essential for making America the ‘crypto capital of the world.’ The explicit connection to President Trump’s agenda suggests this initiative has become a cornerstone of the administration’s financial innovation strategy.

Despite the optimistic timeline, Senator Scott acknowledged that the Senate Banking Committee has been engaged in complex negotiations with Democratic senators to reach a bipartisan agreement on the market structure bill. These discussions represent the critical next step in moving the legislation forward, as significant financial regulation typically requires cross-party support to pass the closely divided Senate. The involvement of multiple stakeholders indicates the comprehensive nature of the proposed legislation, which aims to create a cohesive regulatory framework for digital assets.

Scott’s comments included pointed criticism of Democratic senators, whom he accused of ‘stalling’ the negotiation process. This tension highlights the political challenges facing cryptocurrency legislation, even as both parties recognize the need for regulatory clarity. The accusation suggests that despite general agreement on the need for crypto market structure rules, significant differences remain in the details of how such regulation should be structured, what protections should be included for consumers and investors, and how existing financial regulations should apply to digital assets.

The push for comprehensive crypto market structure legislation represents a strategic effort to establish the United States as the global center for digital asset innovation and investment. Senator Scott’s declaration that passing this bill would make America the ‘crypto capital of the world’ underscores the competitive dimension of this regulatory initiative. With other major economies developing their own crypto regulatory frameworks, the United States risks falling behind in attracting blockchain innovation and investment without clear, forward-looking regulations.

The proposed legislation comes at a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency industry, which has long sought regulatory certainty to guide business development and investment decisions. A comprehensive market structure bill would provide clarity on fundamental questions about how digital assets are classified, which agencies have regulatory authority, and what requirements apply to different market participants. This regulatory certainty could unlock significant investment in U.S.-based crypto enterprises and infrastructure, potentially driving job creation and technological innovation.

The successful passage of this legislation would represent a landmark achievement in financial regulation, creating the first comprehensive federal framework specifically designed for digital assets. For market participants, this could mean clearer rules for token issuance, trading, custody, and compliance, potentially reducing regulatory uncertainty that has hampered industry growth. The timeline proposed by Senator Scott suggests that Republican leadership views this as an urgent priority, with potential implications for the broader financial services landscape and America’s position in the global digital economy.