16 Crypto ETFs Face Approval Delays as US Government Shuts Down

By Emir Abyazov

For the third week, 16 cryptocurrency ETFs remain stuck in the SEC approval queue, including funds for Solana, XRP, Litecoin, and Dogecoin.

The US federal government shut down on October 1 after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a funding agreement. Government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are now operating at minimal capacity, leaving ETF decisions in limbo.

October was supposed to be ETF month.

Shutdown counter on the White House website

The SEC was expected to make final decisions on at least 16 cryptocurrency funds. Another 21 applications arrived in the first eight days of October alone. But the shutdown has paused all action, leaving deadlines passing without progress.

What republicans and democrats want

Republicans are pushing for spending cuts to reduce the national debt, now exceeding $37.8 trillion — roughly $111,000 per US resident. They also want more funding for border security.

Democrats oppose cuts to healthcare spending and want to extend expiring tax credits that make health insurance more affordable.

The Senate isn’t scheduled to vote until Tuesday, and the House isn’t in session, meaning there’s no immediate solution.

How the shutdown could end

Congress must pass either full funding bills or temporary resolutions to keep the government running. Once the bills pass both chambers, President Trump can sign them to end the shutdown.

Republicans control both houses of Congress but lack the Senate votes to pass budget legislation without Democratic support. The current shutdown is the 11th in US history and the first since December 2018–January 2019, which lasted 35 days, the longest on record.

Altcoin season in question

ETF analyst Nate Geraci of NovaDius Wealth Management noted on social media platform X that once the shutdown ends, “spot crypto ETF floodgates open”.

Once government shutdown ends, spot crypto ETF floodgates open…

Ironic that growing fiscal debt & usual political theater holding these up.

Exactly what crypto is targeting.

— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) October 13, 2025

Analysts at Bitfinex predict a new altcoin season could begin if all proposed ETFs are approved. ETFs give investors easier, lower-risk access to coins, attracting new capital.

Until Congress resolves the deadlock, investors and the crypto market wait. Decisions on these 16 ETFs could reshape the altcoin market — but first, politicians must agree on a budget.

Source:: 16 Crypto ETFs Face Approval Delays as US Government Shuts Down