U.S. Senator: Crypto Market Structure Bill Must Pass Within 90 Days

▲ The White House, Cryptocurrency Regulation, Stablecoin Legislation / ChatGPT-generated image

Tensions between traditional finance and the digital asset industry are intensifying after the U.S. Congress set a 90-day deadline for comprehensive legislation that could determine the fate of the cryptocurrency market.

According to crypto-focused media outlet BeInCrypto on Feb. 18 (local time), U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno announced at the World Liberty Forum that the market structure bill for cryptocurrencies would be passed by the end of April this year. Moreno, who represents Ohio, emphasized that the next 90 days are a golden window to maintain legislative momentum and urged Congress to act swiftly. More than 400 leaders from the finance and technology sectors gathered at the Mar-a-Lago event to discuss the future of stablecoin regulation.

The CLARITY Act, a long-standing priority for the digital asset industry, aims to define whether digital tokens are securities or commodities and to establish a clear supervisory framework for exchanges and stablecoins. While related bills have already passed the House of Representatives, progress in the Senate has been slow due to lobbying efforts and technical disagreements. Moreno admitted that the legislative process had been so painful it felt life-shortening, but expressed strong determination to produce tangible results within the remaining 90 days.

The sharpest point of contention currently centers on whether stablecoin issuers should be allowed to offer yield and rewards. Banks strongly oppose the move, arguing that yield-bearing stablecoins could erode deposits within the traditional finance system. In contrast, digital asset firms insist that such features are essential for innovation and competitiveness. Moreno drew applause from the audience by declaring that he would not tolerate attempts by the banking sector to revise provisions of the already-agreed stablecoin regulatory bill known as the GENIUS Act.

Although the atmosphere was tense, there were moments of humor. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody noted Moreno’s membership on the Banking Committee and joked that she would place all the blame on him if the legislation failed. Meanwhile, a planned White House meeting aimed at advancing negotiations may be postponed due to significant differences between the parties. Some officials suggested that current discussions risk becoming little more than a symbolic event, underscoring the difficulty of reaching substantive agreement.

As the regulatory window narrows for the digital asset market, Moreno’s 90-day deadline is being interpreted as more than a simple timetable—it is a strong signal to the market. Analysts say the U.S. has entered a decisive phase in ending years of protracted debate and securing leadership in the digital asset sector. With greater regulatory clarity, global investors are closely watching how stablecoins and decentralized finance infrastructure could reshape the future of the U.S. dollar and global financial markets.

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