With Republicans’ signature tax bill signed into law, our Canvass respondents predict that crypto policy and energy permitting will dominate the legislative landscape in 2026.
In our November polling, 56% of Hill respondents said crypto market structure reform would pass next year. Crypto policy has gained more traction in Washington this year, and Congress passed a major stablecoin regulation bill in July that President Donald Trump signed into law.
We scooped that the Senate Banking Committee would not take up any crypto-focused hearings or markups before the end of 2025. But talks are expected to continue through the new year.
Permitting optimism. About 52% of Capitol Hill staffers predict Congress will pass energy permitting reform next year, as bipartisan negotiations have gained momentum in both chambers.
The United States’ process for greenlighting energy and infrastructure projects is complicated and protracted, a concern that lawmakers from both parties and the industry share.
However, passing legislation to change the permitting laws has proven to be a difficult task for Congress. But there seems to be more interest than ever, and both Capitol Hill and K Street think 2026 will be the year something finally happens.
All about farmers. In our November polling, senior Hill staffers also said tariff relief for farmers (56%) and the Farm Bill (51%) are likely to pass next year.
The White House unveiled a $12 billion aid package for farmers in early December that doesn’t need congressional approval. The money is meant to shore up the agriculture industry as farmers have taken a hit from Trump’s trade wars.
But a looming Supreme Court decision on President Donald Trump’s tariff policies could spur congressional action next year.
