CLARITY Act Vote Slips as Senate Puts Russia Sanctions First

The U.S. Senate has postponed the CLARITY Act, prioritizing a Russia sanctions package and federal nominations. Lawmakers have roughly a handful of legislative days before the chamber's scheduled summer recess on Aug. 8, making a vote on the crypto market structure bill unlikely before next week.

Senate leadership discussed keeping the chamber in session past the recess if enough votes exist to invoke cloture on the CLARITY Act, journalist Eleanor Terrett said. Those discussions remain fluid. Some senators are also pushing for votes on the SAVE America Act and the Russia-Iran sanctions package, Terrett added.

The delay is procedural rather than policy-driven. Majority Leader John Thune gave priority to Russia sanctions legislation. Under Senate rules, only one major contested bill typically moves through the chamber at a time. Available floor time has also been reduced by memorial proceedings and other business.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said he remains optimistic Congress will pass the CLARITY Act, describing legislation as the best path for long-term regulatory certainty in crypto. The SEC is ready to write rules to implement the bill if it becomes law, Atkins said. If Congress fails to act, the agency can address similar market structure issues on its own authority. He stressed that a clear statute from Congress would provide the strongest foundation, helping to "future-proof" crypto regulation in the U.S.