The U.S. government shutdown has entered its 38th day, marking a historical record and stalling significant progress in cryptocurrency regulation. Key agencies like the SEC and CFTC have ceased operations, delaying crucial ETF approvals and halting the bipartisan CLARITY Act, which aims to establish comprehensive digital asset rules. The shutdown has affected 1.4 million federal employees and is costing the economy between $10 billion and $30 billion weekly. Amid this uncertainty, Bitcoin prices have fallen from recent highs. Polymarket traders currently estimate a 60% probability that the shutdown will extend beyond November 16.