US lawmakers began a key markup session Thursday morning on a long-awaited crypto market structure bill, marking a pivotal step in Congress’ effort to establish clearer rules for digital asset markets. “This bill would provide CFTC spot market authority for digital commodities, clear rules for intermediaries, and robust consumer protections, including listing standards, disclosure requirements, and safeguards for customer property,” said Crypto Council for Innovation CEO Ji Hun Kim, referring to the market structure bill. Jan. 29 4:52 pm UTCMarket structure bill advances from agriculture committeeIn just about an hour, with only votes on three amendments that failed along party lines, the Senate Agriculture Committee voted 12 to 11 to advance the digital asset market structure bill, setting it up for a floor vote in the full chamber sometime in the future. Lawmakers on both sides noted that the committee would need to combine its bill with the draft under consideration in the Senate Banking Committee before a vote. Source: Senate Agriculture CommitteeJan. 29, 3:32 pm UTCLawmakers on the Senate Agriculture Committee expected to vote on 11 amendmentsThe digital asset market structure bill, called the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act in the Senate Agriculture Committee, will be under consideration as lawmakers vote on amendments related to leadership at the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), ethics, and foreign interference in US markets.