Washington, D.C. — Bipartisan U.S. senators are preparing to vote on a major crypto market structure bill on Thursday, January 29, after the process was delayed earlier in the week due to bad weather. Lawmakers are expected to return to Capitol Hill to debate changes and decide the next step for the bill, including whether it should be added to the CLARITY Act.
The timing is important because the Senate is working under pressure from a government funding deadline, with a shutdown risk mentioned as January 31.
Why This Committee Vote Matters
According to the report, this committee markup is described as the first major attempt to move the bill forward after a previous delay by the Senate Banking Committee. That earlier delay happened after Coinbase withdrew its support, the report says.
Now, senators are returning to the table with a list of changes they want to attach to the bill before deciding whether it can move ahead.
Senators File Amendments Ahead of the Vote
The report says multiple lawmakers have submitted amendments to adjust the bill before a final vote.
1) Ethics rules for senior officials
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado suggested rules that would limit crypto holdings and crypto-related activities for government officials and their families. The proposal includes top roles such as the U.S. president, the vice president, and U.S. representatives, aiming to reduce possible conflicts of interest. The report notes it is not yet clear whether the committee will approve this amendment.
2) Delay the bill until the CFTC is ready
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota filed two amendments. One would delay the bill until the CFTC has at least four commissioners, including two from the minority party. Her second amendment would narrow the meaning of a “retail participant” and clarify the duties of the Digital Commodity Retail Advocate, a role meant to protect smaller investors.
3) Crypto ATM fraud and “no bailout” language
Senator Dick Durbin proposed measures to ban bailouts for crypto-related issues and add rules meant to stop fraud linked to crypto ATMs, the report says.
4) Limiting foreign adversaries
Senators Tommy Tuberville and Jerry Moran introduced proposals aimed at limiting foreign adversaries from participating in U.S. crypto markets. The report describes these amendments as efforts to strengthen oversight and improve investor protection, with senators expected to discuss each proposal before voting.
Push for Clear Crypto Rules
The report also highlights comments from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who posted a video on X calling for clear crypto market rules. She said the bill is needed so companies and investors can understand how to follow the law, and she argued that stronger rules would protect consumers and help buyers understand risks.
Common-sense crypto market structure regulation will protect consumers and market players alike.
It's a win-win. pic.twitter.com/NbXeytRFQY— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 27, 2026
She also said clear rules could help crypto companies keep operating inside the U.S. and support New York’s role as a global financial hub, according to the report.
What Happens During the Markup
During the markup, the committee is expected to:
- Review each amendment
- Debate whether to include those changes
- Vote on the amendments
- Then decide whether to send the bill forward to the Senate floor
The report adds that some senators—including Roger Marshall and Dick Durbin—said they will not push their credit card swipe fee proposal during the markup.
What to Watch Next
All committee members are expected to attend now that weather conditions have improved, and the crypto industry is watching closely because the committee’s decision could shape what happens next in Congress.
If the bill advances, the focus will likely shift to whether it can move to the full Senate in time, while lawmakers also face the pressure of the government funding deadline mentioned in the report.
