U.S. Senator "Virtual asset bill hard to pass if shutdown drags on… February next year is the 'last chance'"

With the recent federal government shutdown (temporary work stoppage) halting most administrative functions, problems are arising for virtual asset (cryptocurrency) bills referred to Congress.

On the 28th (Korea time), according to crypto outlet Cointelegraph, Republican Senator Tom Tillis told Bloomberg in an interview, "As the 2026 midterm elections approach, congressional discussions on virtual asset bills will stagnate," and added, "If virtual asset-related bills are not handled by January~February next year, legislation may be effectively halted due to the political calendar."

He went on to say, "If we pass January~February next year, the likelihood that legislation related to digital assets and stablecoins will pass in this session (ending January 2027) is low."

Currently before Congress are measures such as the virtual asset market structure bill the House passed last July, the 'CLARITY Act'.