CLARITY Act Faces Sept. 15 Senate Vote as Crypto Industry Grows Pessimistic on 2026 Passage

The CLARITY Act, which would establish a regulatory framework for the US digital-asset market, is headed for a Senate vote on Sept. 15. Industry participants are increasingly doubtful the measure will pass this year.

CNBC reported on Sept. 1 that the bill would split oversight of digital assets between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. It would also set registration requirements for crypto firms and anti-money laundering rules. The Senate had initially sought a vote before its August recess, but the timetable slipped.

The main sticking points include whether to allow interest on stablecoins and ethics provisions related to President Donald Trump and his family's crypto businesses.

John Darsie, chief executive officer of SALT, said he is personally somewhat pessimistic about the bill's prospects. Passage is unlikely ahead of the midterm elections, he added.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that if the CLARITY Act fails to pass before the midterms and Democrats win control of the House, a regulatory clash between Congress and the administration could drag on for a prolonged period.