Marta Belcher, president of the Blockchain Association, highlighted the need for critical legislation in the crypto industry to be passed before the 2026 election cycle to avoid long-term consequences.
Critical Need for Crypto Legislation
Belcher emphasized the urgency of passing laws that clarify key aspects of the industry prior to the beginning of the next year.
> "Once the midterms happen, we don’t really know whether Congress is going to be friendly towards crypto or whether there’s going to be a backlash."
She pointed out the hostile environment of the previous administration when the SEC was suing nearly every major token.
Current Initiatives in Congress
Currently, both stablecoin and broader market structure legislation are progressing in Congress, with a potential vote on stablecoins expected imminently. Belcher expressed concerns about delays following the summer recess.
> "There are a lot of reasons to be worried about waiting until after August recess. You just never know what other priorities Congress is going to have."
Industry Prospects and Compromises
Belcher noted that many industry participants are willing to comply with laws but need clear guidance on what is required. She stressed the importance of industry-wide compromise,
> "This legislation is actually existential, in my view. It’s not going to be perfect… but we all need to be willing to come together and do what needs to get done."
Amid a rapidly changing legislative landscape, the crypto industry faces challenges and opportunities that necessitate prompt action. The passage of essential legislation before the 2026 elections could significantly influence the future of the sector.
