The U.S. government shutdown continues to disrupt efforts in crafting a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, some lawmakers remain optimistic about advancing legislation by the end of 2023, specifically aiming for clarity on digital assets in a growing crypto industry. However, this hope is complicated by congressional gridlock and delays related to passing the CLARITY Act, a key bill addressing market structure concerns for cryptocurrency. The absence of consistent legislative activity during the shutdown impacts agencies such as the SEC, with many applications facing review delays. While the House passed its version of the crypto regulation bill in July, progress has been slow in the Senate where Senator Lummis’s vote on the bill is expected soon. The ongoing shutdown underscores how critical a clear regulatory landscape is for cryptocurrency’s future, particularly as the industry anticipates substantial growth in the coming years.