Democratic Senators Release Framework for Market Structure Legislation

WASHINGTON - Today, Democratic Senators released a framework for market structure legislation. The group of Senators include Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ),  Mark Warner (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE),  and  Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). 

"The digital asset sector has grown to a $4 trillion global market. We owe it to the millions of Americans who participate in this market to create clear rules of the road that protect consumers and safeguard our markets. We also must ensure that digital assets are not used to finance illicit activities or to line the pockets of politicians and their families," the Senators said.

"Today, we're releasing a framework for a market structure bill that would regulate digital asset markets in the U.S., ensure responsible innovation, and create a safe and level playing field for all market participants. The framework is a substantive road map to guide what we hope will be robust and fruitful bipartisan negotiations and ultimately, a bipartisan product.

"Achieving a strong, bipartisan outcome will require time and cannot be rushed. We look forward to working on this with our Republican colleagues."

The framework contains seven key pillars that any market structure legislation should include:

1. Closing the Gap in the Spot Market for Non-Security Digital Assets;
2. Clarifying the Legal Status of Digital Assets and Regulator Jurisdiction;
3. Incorporating Digital Asset Issuers into the Regulatory Framework;
4. Incorporating Digital Asset Platforms into the Regulatory Framework;
5. Preventing Illicit Finance;
6. Preventing Corruption and Abuse; and
7. Ensuring Fair, Effective Regulation.

The full framework can be viewed HERE.

9/9/25