US Crypto Legislation Stalls Over CBDC Dispute as House Republicans Negotiate Landmark Bills

House Republicans narrowly advanced three pivotal cryptocurrency bills after a historic nine-hour procedural vote—the longest in congressional history. The delay stemmed from hardline demands to prohibit central bank digital currencies, with Majority Leader Steve Scalise ultimately agreeing to attach a CBDC ban to the NDAA defense bill rather than the crypto packages.

Three key proposals hang in the balance: The CLARITY Act addressing market structure, President Trump's prioritized GENIUS Act for stablecoin regulation, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act targeting Federal Reserve restrictions. Hardliners warn the GENIUS Act could create regulatory loopholes, while Senate staffers express urgency to maintain legislative momentum.

The breakthrough came when Scalise brokered a compromise to address CBDC concerns separately, allowing the crypto bills to proceed. Market participants now watch whether Congress can deliver regulatory clarity before the 2025 session concludes—a watershed moment for digital asset policy after years of stagnation.