Cryptocurrency legislation faces a turning point: Boozman opens the door to delay voting as critical negotiations between both parties approach

There are new developments in the US cryptocurrency legislation process. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Boozman (Republican-Arkansas) is reevaluating the voting timeline for the “Crypto Market Structure Act.” The committee vote originally scheduled for January 15 may be delayed, contingent upon substantial progress in bipartisan negotiations over the weekend. This signals a significant step forward in moving crypto legislation from partisan opposition toward bipartisan cooperation.

Voting Timeline Uncertain, Bipartisan Negotiations Are Key

According to the latest reports, Boozman still plans to proceed with the bill review on January 15 as originally scheduled, but his stance has shifted. He is now open to delaying the vote, depending on negotiations between his team and Democratic lead negotiator, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

What does this mean? Simply put, if the two parties can reach a substantive consensus on the bill’s content during this weekend (January 11-12), Boozman is willing to postpone the vote to push forward on a basis acceptable to both sides. This marks a clear departure from the previous partisan standoff.

Why This Shift Occurs

The Practical Significance of Bipartisan Cooperation

Delaying the vote might sound like procrastination, but in the context of the US Congress, it often signals greater opportunity. A bill supported by both parties is more likely to pass through committee and gain momentum in the full Senate vote. This is crucial for the crypto industry—a broadly supported regulatory framework is more stable than one pushed unilaterally.

The Urgency of the Time Window

From January 10 to January 15, there are only five days for negotiations. Considering the weekend (January 11-12) is highlighted as a “critical period,” the actual effective negotiation time is even shorter. This urgency indicates both sides are accelerating efforts rather than indefinitely postponing.

Key Timeline

What the Market Should Watch

Short-term Focus

Progress in negotiations this weekend will be the direct factor in whether the vote is delayed. If news emerges of a substantial bipartisan breakthrough, crypto asset prices could rise (as it implies more favorable regulatory expectations). Conversely, if negotiations stall, the vote may proceed as scheduled.

Long-term Significance

Regardless of whether the vote is delayed, this signals an important shift: the US Congress is softening its opposition to crypto regulation. Boozman’s willingness to delay for bipartisan consensus indicates that the value of consensus is recognized. This is positive for the long-term development of the crypto industry.

Summary

The possibility of delaying the vote on the “Crypto Market Structure Act” reflects not legislative stagnation but a shift from partisan opposition toward bipartisan cooperation. The negotiations this weekend will be a critical juncture, determining the next steps for this milestone legislation. For the crypto market, a bipartisan regulatory framework may have more long-term value than a unilateral bill. Close attention should be paid to whether both parties can make substantial progress this weekend.