Crypto market structure has become a focal point of legislative discussions in the U.S., with Senate Democrats urging a bipartisan authorship process to ensure comprehensive and effective regulation. Recently, twelve Senate Democrats released a statement urging their Republican counterparts to engage in a cooperative effort to draft the crypto market legislation, which is currently under Congressional review.
“We hope our Republican colleagues will agree to a bipartisan authorship process, as is the norm for legislation of this scale,” stated the Democrats. This appeal highlights the shared interest in expediting the legislative process while ensuring meaningful collaboration.
Democrats Advocate for Bipartisan Authorship
The statement was backed by prominent Democrats involved in crypto policy, including Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mark Warner (D-VA). This follows their introduction of a seven-pillar framework aimed at regulating U.S. crypto markets, laying the groundwork for bipartisan discussions as Republicans refine the Clarity Act.
Senate Democrats are seeking an active role in drafting the legislation, preferring to co-author rather than merely provide feedback on a GOP-led bill. Politico reports suggest Democrats also desire closer collaboration with the Senate Agriculture Committee, which oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Current State of Crypto Market Structure Bill
Senate Banking Republicans have expressed a willingness to receive Democratic input on the bill until October 20, though they have not finalized the schedule. The Republican draft suggests forming a joint committee between the SEC and CFTC to recommend “regulatory harmonization.” Historically, these agencies have adopted different stances on digital assets.
The Democrats’ framework proposes granting the CFTC authority over spot markets for non-security tokens while creating criteria for the SEC to regulate tokens as securities. This approach aims to refine the regulatory landscape for digital assets significantly.
Further, Senate Democrats propose prohibiting elected officials and their families from engaging in crypto projects while in office, addressing concerns of potential conflicts of interest. They also advocate for increased funding for regulatory bodies, indirectly addressing former President Donald Trump’s crypto-related financial gains during his tenure.
As crypto market structure continues to evolve, the call for a bipartisan authorship approach underscores the importance of unity in crafting legislation that balances innovation with consumer protection.
