U.S. lawmakers moved digital asset policy into a new phase in 2025, passing a set of crypto bills that signaled long-term regulatory commitment. Congress framed the effort as a shift from enforcement-first actions toward clear federal rules. The push focused on stablecoins, market structure, and limits on a potential U.S. central bank digital currency. The effort unfolded during a coordinated legislative push often described by lawmakers as “Crypto Week.” House leaders advanced multiple bills in parallel, while the Senate prioritized stablecoin legislation. By mid-year, the White House signed the first major crypto law, locking in a federal framework that had stalled for years. Together, the bills marked the clearest signal yet that Washington plans to keep crypto activity onshore. Lawmakers from both parties said the goal was legal certainty, not promotion, as digital assets continue to intersect with payments, banking, and capital markets. Stablecoin Law Sets Federal Baseline The centerpiece of the 2025 shift was the passage of a stablecoin bill that created national standards for payment tokens. The law requires issuers to hold high-quality liquid reserves and provide regular disclosures. It also outlines who can issue stablecoins and under what conditions. Supporters said the measure reduces risks exposed by earlier market failures. At the same time, it gives banks and regulated firms a clear path to participate. Regulators now oversee stablecoin activity through defined supervisory processes rather than ad-hoc guidance. Since the bill became law, agencies have begun outlining how institutions can apply to issue or manage stablecoins. That early follow-through has reinforced the view that Congress expects regulators to implement, not reinterpret, the statute. Market Structure and CBDC Limits Advance Alongside the stablecoin law, the House advanced a broader market structure bill designed to clarify how digital assets are classified and supervised. The proposal aims to define when tokens fall under commodities rules and how trading platforms should register and operate. Lawmakers also passed legislation restricting the Federal Reserve from issuing a retail central bank digital currency without direct congressional approval. Sponsors framed the move as a privacy safeguard rather than a rejection of digital payments. While parts of the market structure agenda may extend into 2026, the 2025 votes changed expectations. Instead of asking whether Congress will act on crypto, the focus has shifted to how quickly agencies implement the new framework and how remaining gaps will be addressed.
