CLARITY Act Faces Fresh Delay as Senate Prioritizes Russia Sanctions Bill

The U.S. Senate has temporarily delayed consideration of the CLARITY Act as lawmakers prioritize a Russia sanctions package, federal nominations, and other legislative business. The latest development makes it increasingly unlikely that the crypto market structure bill will receive a Senate vote before next week. As a result, there are only a handful of legislative days before Congress begins its scheduled summer recess on August 8.

According to journalist Eleanor Terrett, Senate leadership has discussed keeping lawmakers in Washington beyond the planned recess if they have enough votes to invoke cloture and move the bill forward. However, she noted that discussions remain fluid. This is because some senators are also pushing for votes on the SAVE America Act and the Russia-Iran sanctions package.

Senate Calendar Creates New Roadblock

The delay is largely procedural rather than policy-related. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has given priority to the 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 Senate business, including memorial proceedings. As a result, it is increasingly difficult to fit the CLARITY Act into the schedule before lawmakers leave Washington.

In the meanwhile, SEC Chair Paul Atkins said he remains optimistic that Congress will pass the CLARITY Act, calling legislation the best way to give the crypto industry long-term regulatory certainty. He said the SEC is ready to create rules either to implement the bill if it becomes law. Alternatively, the SEC can address similar crypto market issues if Congress fails to act. 

However, Atkins stressed that a clear statute from Congress would provide the strongest foundation. This would help “future-proof” crypto regulation in the U.S.

Trump Could Call Senators Back

Legal analyst MetaLawMan also noted that President Trump has the constitutional authority under Article II, Section 3 to call the Senate back during its August recess, allowing lawmakers to vote on bills such as the CLARITY Act. While he cannot force senators to approve the legislation, he can require the Senate to reconvene.

For now, a final Senate vote on the CLARITY Act appears unlikely before next week. Even if it clears the Senate, the bill must still pass the House again before reaching President Trump’s desk. If that doesn’t happen, consideration of the bill will likely slip until Congress returns in September.

What the Delay Means for Crypto

The postponement tightens the timeline for one of the crypto industry’s most anticipated regulatory bills. If the Senate cannot advance the legislation before the August recess, the measure could face additional delays later this year. This is because Congress will shift its attention to election-related priorities and a packed legislative calendar.

In the meantime, the industry is expected to rely on implementation of the GENIUS Act for stablecoins. Additionally, the crypto industry will have continued regulatory oversight from the SEC and CFTC, while waiting for broader market structure legislation.