Legislative momentum for America’s long-awaited digital-asset framework has slowed sharply as the federal shutdown disrupts agency coordination and halts committee schedules. Bipartisan senators leading the crypto regulation effort paused negotiations amid budget gridlock, while staffing shortages at the SEC and CFTC delayed ETF application reviews and enforcement actions. Market participants warned that prolonged inaction could erode investor trust and hinder institutional adoption. Analysts expect Congress to revisit the bill once funding talks conclude, but uncertainty over scope and timing persists.