What happened?
The Blockchain Association urged Congress to keep working together on crypto policy even as the U.S. government entered a shutdown. It praised recent bipartisan cooperation and collaboration between the SEC and CFTC as unprecedented momentum. The group warned the shutdown could stall that progress and slow regulatory work on digital assets.
Who does this affect?
This affects lawmakers and regulators, plus exchanges, crypto startups, and investors who have been waiting for clearer rules. Federal agency staff and contractors face uncertainty and possible layoffs that could delay rulemaking and oversight. The broader crypto industry risks slowed approvals, postponed guidance, and operational disruption in the U.S.
Why does this matter?
Regulatory delays create uncertainty that tends to increase market volatility and chill investment into U.S. crypto firms. If harmonized rules between the SEC and CFTC are pushed back, projects and capital may move overseas, weakening the U.S. competitive position. That could mean short-term price swings and longer-term slower growth for U.S.-based digital-asset markets and businesses.