What is the new US crypto market structure bill?

US lawmakers are discussing legislation designed to create a formal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. The proposal would clarify which agencies oversee digital assets and establish rules for crypto markets and businesses.

How would the bill divide crypto oversight between regulators?

The draft legislation would split authority between the SEC and the CFTC. Under the proposal, Bitcoin would fall under CFTC oversight as a commodity-like asset, while certain token offerings and investment contracts would remain under SEC jurisdiction.

Why is crypto regulation such a major issue in the US?

The US still lacks comprehensive federal rules defining how cryptocurrencies should be regulated. That uncertainty has created legal risks for exchanges, token issuers and institutional investors operating in the market.

Why does Bitcoin classification matter for investors?

Formal classification of Bitcoin as a commodity could provide clearer legal treatment and reduce regulatory uncertainty. Many institutional investors see CFTC oversight as more predictable than SEC enforcement-driven regulation.

What role does the Senate Agriculture Committee play in crypto regulation?

The Senate Agriculture Committee oversees the CFTC, which is why it is involved in digital asset legislation. The committee recently advanced the market structure proposal in a party-line vote.

What did Senator John Boozman say about the bill?

John Boozman discussed the next legislative steps publicly after the committee advanced the proposal. He has been involved in efforts to move crypto market structure legislation forward in the Senate.

Why is bipartisan support important for crypto legislation?

Major financial legislation in the US often requires bipartisan backing to pass both chambers of Congress. Support from lawmakers across parties could improve the chances of long-term regulatory stability for the crypto industry.

How could this bill affect institutional crypto adoption?

Clearer rules may encourage banks, asset managers and large financial firms to increase crypto exposure. Many institutions have delayed expansion into digital assets because of uncertain regulation and compliance risks.

Congress debates crypto market structure bill

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished May. 13 2026

Members of the US Congress are set to meet Tuesday to discuss cryptocurrency market structure legislation and the future regulatory framework for digital assets including Bitcoin.

A draft bill advanced by the Senate Agriculture Committee proposes splitting oversight responsibilities between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under the proposal, Bitcoin would fall under CFTC jurisdiction as a commodity-like digital asset, while investment contracts and certain token offerings would remain regulated by the SEC.

The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the legislation in a party-line vote, with Senator John Boozman later discussing the bill’s next steps publicly.

Kirsten Gillibrand also commented on the legislation during Senate discussions as bipartisan negotiations around crypto regulation continued.

The Blockchain Association described a recent White House-facilitated bipartisan meeting on digital asset policy as a significant step toward broader agreement on crypto market structure rules.

Industry participants have argued that the absence of comprehensive federal crypto regulation has delayed institutional investment and pushed some blockchain firms toward jurisdictions such as the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

The latest proposal builds on previous US crypto legislative efforts including the Lummis-Gillibrand framework and FIT21 legislation introduced in earlier congressional sessions.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $81,044.79.