Group 1 - The core issue revolves around a proposed amendment aimed at increasing competition in credit card processing, which could complicate the passage of a stablecoin bill supported by the cryptocurrency industry and former President Trump [1][2] - The amendment, introduced by Republican Senator Roger Marshall and supported by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, seeks to require large banks to offer multiple payment network options for credit card transactions, potentially lowering transaction fees for merchants [1][2] - Retailers are advocating for the stablecoin bill as a means to bypass high credit card fees, which amounted to over $187 billion for U.S. merchants last year according to Nielsen data [2] Group 2 - Financial institutions, airlines, and other stakeholders are opposing the credit card competition measure, arguing it could reduce their profits and negatively impact consumers by lowering credit card rewards [2][3] - Some Republican senators, including Tom Tillis and Kevin Cramer, have expressed concerns that the credit card provisions could jeopardize the stablecoin bill, with Cramer indicating he would vote against it if the amendment is included [2][3] - Other proposed amendments include a call for an audit of the Federal Reserve and measures aimed at restricting certain cryptocurrency activities, reflecting ongoing tensions between traditional banking interests and the evolving cryptocurrency landscape [3]