The week ahead on Capitol Hill will be a defining moment for cryptocurrency legislation in the country. Lawmakers are preparing for what’s being referred to as “Crypto Week,” a packed slate of votes and discussions that could determine how crypto, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies are treated for years to come. With growing interest from institutional investors and major companies alike, this congressional blitz is being closely watched across the financial and tech sectors.

A Triple Bill Week with High Stakes

There are three major pieces of legislation up for discussion. First up is the GENIUS Act, the bill that lays out how stablecoins should be issued and backed. It passed the Senate with a strong 68–30 vote and is expected to face the House floor soon. The goal with this specific bill is to create clear requirements for entities looking to issue stablecoins pegged to the US dollar. Several supporters say it will ensure the U.S. remains competitive while providing some guardrails for an industry that’s been operating in a legal gray area.

The Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act aims to end the constant turf war between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). It proposes a much more defined role for each agency when it comes to regulating every aspect related to the crypto markets. Right now, companies and investors are often unsure which rules apply. For instance, when using a crypto trading platform that offers access to a variety of tokens, there seems to be uncertainty regarding regulations. These platforms have grown significantly in recent years, offering more than basic buy-and-sell services. Expansion over the years now includes lending tools, yield features, and integrated wallets. Regulatory uncertainty affects how they operate and how users engage with them, especially when stablecoins and other tokens come into play. Lawmakers are hoping to remove that uncertainty, though opinions vary on how much oversight is too much.

The third bill on the docket is the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act. This one targets the idea of a central bank digital currency issued by the Federal Reserve. It would ban the Fed from creating or launching any such currency, citing concerns over financial privacy and government overreach.

In addition to these three major legislative votes, Crypto Week will feature a critical hearing on July 16 by the House Ways & Means Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee focused on updating tax policy for crypto. This hearing aims to address persistent issues around crypto taxation, such as clarity on taxable events, treatment of staking and mining rewards, and reducing burdens that have complicated compliance for investors and businesses. While not a bill vote, this hearing will look at a comprehensive approach Congress is taking to build a clear, competitive tax framework for the crypto economy.

Big Retail Wants In

While lawmakers are hammering out the rules, big-name companies are already eyeing the playing field. Both Walmart and Amazon are reportedly exploring the idea of issuing their own stablecoins. These wouldn’t be speculative tokens like some of the more volatile assets on the market. Instead, they’d be pegged to the dollar and used to lower transaction fees and cut out credit card networks.

For these companies, it’s a chance to reduce costs and maintain tighter control over their payment systems. For consumers, it could mean fewer fees and faster checkouts. But all of that hinges on what Congress decides this week. If stablecoin issuers are forced to go through strict licensing or banking requirements, some companies may hold back.

In that light, the GENIUS Act is seen as a possible green light for corporate players. Its passage would establish clear requirements without treating every issuer like a bank. That could open the door for more competition in the payments space, especially among retailers already handling massive daily transaction volumes.

Bitcoin’s Strong Performance Isn’t Just a Coincidence

Congressional discussions coincide with Bitcoin’s strong performance in recent weeks. After hovering around $80,000 back in April, the price has since increased past $110,000 and recently broke above $118,000. Traders are paying attention, and so are policymakers.

Some analysts suggest that the price increase is tied to optimism around regulatory clarity. Others point to the continued influx of institutional money into the sector. Whatever the reason, it’s obvious that Bitcoin isn’t fading into the background anytime soon.

With major financial firms launching ETFs and miners seeing renewed investment, the market has momentum. If Congress passes legislation that makes the U.S. more welcoming to crypto-based projects, that momentum could accelerate.

Industry Divisions and Political Lines

Crypto Week isn’t just about discussing regulations around tech or finance, but it’s about the country solidifying its political identity. So far, Republicans have mostly aligned themselves with a pro-innovation stance, backing measures that reduce regulatory burdens and promote private-sector stablecoin initiatives. Democrats seem more divided. While some see value in establishing public alternatives to payment giants, others remain skeptical of privacy and security risks.

There’s also been some tension around whether the Federal Reserve should have any role in issuing digital dollars. Supporters of the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act argue that a central bank-backed digital currency could lead to unprecedented government oversight. Opponents say banning the Fed outright ties the country’s hands at a time when other countries like China, despite their ban on crypto, are already pushing forward with digital currency infrastructure. This political divide means that even if the bills pass the House, further negotiation will be needed before any of them become law. 

A Week That Could Define the Next Decade

Crypto Week is more than just a string of votes. It’s a sign that digital assets have officially entered the halls of mainstream U.S. policymaking. Once largely dismissed or misunderstood, cryptocurrency now has the attention of the country’s most powerful lawmakers.

Whether these bills pass as written or get revised in the weeks ahead, they’ll lay the foundation for how crypto is treated. Who gets to issue it, and what will be the rules for those looking to build the next generation of payment systems?

The road ahead won’t be free of debate. However, Crypto Week is all about the digital assets being front and center in the national conversation. If anything, this week could be the defining moment the broader crypto market has been fighting for from the start.