SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that the agency's goal is to officially establish an 'innovation exemption' for digital asset companies by the end of 2025 or early 2026, and to prioritize cryptocurrency as a means to encourage domestic development in the United States. He acknowledged that the government shutdown has led to a pause in rulemaking, but he expressed confidence in advancing this exemption to prevent innovators from moving overseas. Atkins also praised Congress for the progress made on cryptocurrency bills such as the GENIUS Act, although the attending experts had differing opinions on the likelihood of the market structure bill being passed this year.