Here’s what happened in crypto today

Today in crypto, US lawmakers have advanced three major bills aimed at regulating digital assets, following a marathon nine-hour session, the longest vote in House history. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed its decision on whether to allow in-kind redemptions for Bitwise’s Bitcoin and Ether spot ETFs.

US House passes three key crypto bills ahead of August recess

After delays in Congress over Republican concerns with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the US House of Representatives has passed three pieces of crypto legislation.

In a Thursday House session, lawmakers voted 294-134 to pass the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, a bill aimed at establishing a market structure for cryptocurrencies, 308-122 in favor of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, and 219-210 for the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

Almost 80 Democrats voted yes for the CLARITY Act and more than 100 for the GENIUS Act, with the bills having been expected to move through the chamber before Congress breaks for its August recess.

Republicans had been calling for everyone in their party to support the bills as part of their “crypto week” plans — a nod to US President Donald Trump’s stated intention to enact his crypto agenda quickly. 

However, on Wednesday, voting on consideration of a package, including the three bills, stalled for hours after some Republicans held out for a carve-out to ban the development of a CBDC in the US. 

SEC delays in-kind redemption decision for Bitwise crypto ETFs

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) extended its deadline to decide on whether to allow in-kind redemptions for Bitwise’s Bitcoin and Ether spot ETFs on NYSE Arca. 

While the SEC did not exceed its maximum 90-day review limit, it stated that more time is needed to fully consider the implications of the proposed rule change. If approved, in-kind redemptions would let investors receive Bitcoin or Ether directly instead of cash, potentially offering tax benefits.

SEC's deadline extension filing. Source: SEC

The move comes amid growing criticism that the SEC is delaying key crypto decisions. Grayscale recently challenged the agency’s handling of its Digital Large Cap ETF, accusing it of violating statutory deadlines. However, the SEC appears to be shifting its stance under Chair Paul Atkins, appointed under the Trump administration, who has pledged a more transparent and innovation-friendly approach.

Crypto bills move forward after nine-hour stalemate on House floor

House Republican leaders have cut a deal to move forward with three crypto bills that were stuck in a record-long procedural vote after Republican hardliners refused to back down on central bank digital currencies.

A vote to set up floor debate on the bills was open for over nine hours — the longest in the House’s history. The measure eventually passed late on Wednesday with a vote of 217-212 in favor.

The crypto bill is hanging in limbo. pic.twitter.com/DW4HCrqVDm— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) July 16, 2025

A group of Republican holdouts initially refused to support the vote unless a ban on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) was guaranteed to pass, but House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters on Wednesday that Republicans will now instead add a CBDC ban to a must-pass defense spending bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).