Shutdown Showdown: Kevin Hassett Says Deal “Likely” This Week, Crypto Regulatory Progress Back in Play

The US government shutdown reached 20 days after starting on Oct. 1. It is the third-longest in US history. Kevin Hassett, a White House economic adviser, told CNBC’s Squawk Box the standoff is “likely to end sometime this week.”

“I think the Schumer shutdown is likely to end sometime this week,”

Hassett said on Monday. He referenced Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by name. He said moderate Democrats could vote to reopen the government, then proceed “with regular order.”
If that path fails, Hassett said the Trump administration may consider “stronger measures.” Earlier this year, he disclosed more than $1 million in Coinbase holdings. He is also one of Donald Trump ’s top three picks to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair in May 2026.

Crypto Regulatory Progress: Altcoin ETF Decisions and SEC Timelines Slowed

The shutdown affected crypto regulatory progress inside the SEC. Several altcoin ETF applications remain in review. Filings for Litecoin (LTC) at $92.43, XRP at $2.43, and Solana (SOL) at $183.87 await decisions.

During a US government shutdown, agency staffing and calendars shrink. Therefore, SEC review meetings and clock management slow. That pushes back altcoin ETF milestones and related staff engagements.

However, some work continues outside agencies. Policy groups and companies keep discussing crypto regulatory progress. Those talks can translate into faster activity once staffing returns.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Lawmakers, Michael Saylor, and the BITCOIN Act

In mid-September, US lawmakers met Michael Saylor of Strategy and 17 other industry leaders. They discussed a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the United States. The focus stayed on frameworks, custody, and reporting.

Participants reviewed the BITCOIN Act, sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Lummis. A key point was enabling budget-neutral Bitcoin purchases. Attendees also examined how Congress could structure oversight and transparency.

These discussions preceded the US government shutdown. Yet they created a track to resume quickly. If operations restart, committees can re-engage with full staff and tight calendars. That would support renewed crypto regulatory progress.

Senate Democrats Meet Coinbase, Circle, Ripple on Crypto Market Structure

Despite the US government shutdown, Senate Democrats plan a Wednesday roundtable. Executives from Coinbase, Circle, Ripple, and others are expected. The agenda centers on a US crypto market structure bill.
These meetings test language for compliance and supervision. Firms outline implementation steps and operational risks. Staff gauge what can advance in the current session.
If the government reopens, workstreams can shift to markups and hearings. If not, staff can still refine drafts and feedback. Either way, the discussion sustains crypto regulatory progress planning.

Polymarket Odds: 71% Chance the US Government Shutdown Exceeds 30 Days

Prediction market data adds another signal. Polymarket odds show a 71% chance the shutdown lasts more than 30 days. That timeline points to Oct. 31 or later.
These odds reflect trader expectations on legislative timing. They aggregate views on floor votes, cross-party talks, and procedural steps. Pricing updates as new statements emerge.
The Polymarket odds contrast with Kevin Hassett’s outlook. They remain a reference for readers tracking near-term probabilities. They also frame risks for altcoin ETF calendars and SEC workflows.

What a Fast Reopening Means for SEC, Altcoin ETF, and Crypto Regulatory Progress

A quick resolution would restore full agency staffing. The SEC could re-schedule meetings on altcoin ETF filings and related matters. Statutory clocks and comment periods would still control final dates.
Congressional committees could restart briefings and markups. The BITCOIN Act process and Strategic Bitcoin Reserve modeling could resume. Staff would re-run scenarios and refine cost estimates.
Industry engagement would increase as calendars normalize. Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple could expand input on market structure specifics. That keeps crypto regulatory progress aligned with legislative timelines.