GENIUS Act Stalls in Senate, Raising Concerns About U.S. Crypto Regulation

Efforts to pass the GENIUS Act face significant hurdles in the Senate, impacting the future of U.S. stablecoin regulation and potentially disrupting the crypto market. Despite bipartisan support from figures like Senator Bill Hagerty and Senator Tim Scott, who collaborated on the legislation, opposition has stalled its progress, raising concerns about regulatory clarity for the industry. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a key proponent of the bill, acknowledges the challenges: “I had no idea how hard this was going to be” as she highlights the difficulty in navigating legislative processes. This uncertainty is further impacting U.S.-based crypto companies who are considering moving operations overseas due to lack of regulatory guidance. Senator Thune emphasizes that “Many U.S.-based crypto companies have contemplated moving overseas” due to this uncertainty. The potential impact on the dollar’s demand and financial stability hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgency for a stablecoin framework. Although the bill faces substantial opposition, historical examples of bipartisan cooperation suggest that legislative processes can overcome partisan divides in the future. However, establishing a clear regulatory structure is essential for strengthening U.S. leadership in the global crypto market, while fostering financial stability.