U.S. Crypto Week 2025: Momentum Stalls, But the Future of Digital Finance Hangs in the Balance

Beginning July 14, the United States entered what many in the digital asset industry dubbed "Crypto Week", a high-stakes legislative window that promised to deliver the most significant crypto policy reforms in U.S. history.

Three bills, the GENIUS Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act, were set to be debated and voted on in the House of Representatives.

If passed, they could usher in a new regulatory era for cryptocurrency, bringing long-awaited clarity and legitimacy to the space.

But the bold legislative push met an unexpected roadblock.

Read Also: Crypto Bills Stalled: GENIUS Act Vote Fails, What’s Next?

The Three Bills at the Heart of Crypto Week

1. The GENIUS Act 

Already passed by the Senate, the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins) mandates that U.S.-issued stablecoins be fully backed by dollars or similarly liquid assets.

It requires annual audits for large issuers (those with over $50 billion in market cap) and establishes clear guidelines for foreign-issued stablecoins.

This would lay the groundwork for stablecoins to play a more mainstream role in digital finance.

2. The Clarity Act

Designed to curb what many in the industry call "regulatory overreach," this bill would prevent agencies like the SEC from unilaterally defining crypto asset classifications through court actions.

Instead, it ensures that Congress remains the sole authority on how crypto assets are governed.

3. The Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act

This measure would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), citing concerns about privacy and government surveillance.

Proponents argue that a CBDC could enable the government to monitor or even control Americans’ personal finances, a red line for civil liberties advocates.

Read Also: Why Crypto's Down: BTC & ETH Drop Amid Congress Bills

A Political Setback: Crypto Week Hits the Brakes

Despite initial momentum, the legislative process came to a standstill on Tuesday. A procedural vote required to advance the bills failed after 13 Republicans broke ranks and sided with Democrats, stalling the entire effort.

Speaker Mike Johnson framed the incident as “part of the legislative process,” and emphasized that negotiations between the House, Senate, and White House were ongoing.

But the fracture exposed deep divisions within the Republican Party regarding the best path forward.

The central point of contention: whether the three bills should be passed individually (as Trump preferred to expedite signing the stablecoin bill) or bundled together, which would require a return to the Senate and delay implementation.

Trump’s Intervention: A Push to Save Crypto Week

In an effort to salvage the legislation, President Donald Trump personally intervened. Hosting lawmakers in the Oval Office, he convinced 11 of the 12 dissenting Republicans to support a new vote.

Trump, a strong advocate of making the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” emphasized the urgency of passing the GENIUS Act, which he claimed could support economic innovation and benefit projects like USD1, a stablecoin backed by his associates and reportedly held by his family.

“After a short discussion, they have all agreed to vote tomorrow morning in favor of the Rule,” Trump said on his social media platform.

Despite the setback, House leaders insist the effort is not dead. Another vote may occur this week, or potentially after the upcoming recess.

However, the clock is ticking, and failure to act could leave the U.S. behind other nations rapidly rolling out their own regulatory frameworks.

Read Also: Is the U.S. Government Having Disputes About CBDC?

Market Reactions: A Rollercoaster for Crypto Investors

The impact of the legislative drama was immediately felt in the markets:

1. Bitcoin (BTC) briefly dipped to $117,000 before rebounding to a new all-time high of $123,000 on the back of renewed optimism.

2. Ethereum (ETH) surged to $3,050, its highest level in five months.

3. Total market capitalization of crypto assets has now ballooned to $3.8 trillion, reflecting growing investor confidence.

However, shares of major crypto firms like Coinbase and Circle Internet Financial dropped about 4% following the failed vote, before recovering slightly. The volatility illustrates how deeply the market is tied to Washington’s crypto stance.

Why This Legislation Matters

These bills are more than just policy proposals, they're potential turning points for the digital economy:

1. The GENIUS Act could standardize stablecoin practices and open the door for broader institutional adoption.

2. The Clarity Act would reduce legal uncertainty and embolden startups to innovate without fear of shifting regulations.

3. Blocking a CBDC reflects growing tension between technological progress and concerns about privacy in the digital age.

If passed, this package would replace the adversarial regulatory tone of the Biden-era SEC with a more innovation-friendly environment under Trump, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in crypto policy.

Read Also: Why Did the US House Reject the Crypto Regulation Bill?

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for the U.S.?

For years, the crypto industry has criticized U.S. regulators for inconsistent and heavy-handed approaches. Some projects even threatened to move operations overseas.

Now, with legislation in play that could offer regulatory clarity and support innovation, the question is whether Congress can seize the moment.

If these bills falter, the U.S. risks falling behind nations like the U.K., Singapore, and the EU, each of which is actively shaping crypto regulations.

The next few days could determine whether the U.S. leads or lags in the race to define the future of digital finance.

Conclusion: Crypto Week Is Not Over—And Neither Is the Fight

The legislative deadlock has delayed momentum, but not derailed it. With Trump pushing for immediate action and lawmakers negotiating behind the scenes, the outcome of Crypto Week is still very much in play.

Whether this week ends in success or stalls indefinitely, one thing is clear: the future of crypto in the United States now rests on Capitol Hill.

To keep up with the latest developments in the crypto market, including U.S. legislation, market trends, and emerging blockchain technologies, follow the Bitrue Blog. Don’t miss out on the insights that could shape your next investment move.

FAQ

What is the GENIUS Act?

The GENIUS Act mandates U.S.-issued stablecoins to be fully backed by liquid assets and sets transparency rules including annual audits for large issuers.

Why was Crypto Week delayed in the House?

A group of Republicans joined Democrats to block a procedural vote due to disagreements over whether to bundle the bills together or vote on them individually.

What is the Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act about?

It aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency, citing risks of financial surveillance and privacy loss.

How did markets react to the delay?

Shares of crypto firms dropped initially, but prices for Bitcoin and Ethereum later recovered, with Bitcoin hitting a new record.

Will the bills pass eventually?

It’s uncertain. Trump has rallied support for a new vote, but the legislative path remains complex and politically charged.