Crypto Week in Congress faced significant turmoil as tensions arose between right-wing Republicans and their leadership, threatening the passage of key crypto legislation. The chaos stemmed from an unexpected backlash related to President Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and concerns over a proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC). Despite initial intentions for a smooth legislative process culminating in major crypto bill signings, GOP hardliners disrupted the proceedings, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene likening the CBDC to the 'mark of the beast.' These complications led to Democrats also withdrawing support for the legislation, citing issues related to fraud regulation in decentralized finance (DeFi). As the situation escalated, Republican leadership ultimately decided against including anti-CBDC language in the bills, fearing it would alienate pro-crypto Democrats crucial for bipartisan support. While a stablecoin bill, the GENIUS Act, is set to pass, the market structure bill, CLARITY Act, may be severely compromised as bipartisan backing diminishes, leaving its future uncertain.

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