Clarity Act delayed amid legislative priorities Sanctions on Russia

The US Senate temporarily postponed consideration of the CLARITY Act, as lawmakers prioritized the Russia sanctions package, federal nominations, and other legislative work. The latest development makes it increasingly unlikely that the cryptocurrency market structure bill will get a vote in the Senate before next week. As a result, there are only a few legislative days left before Congress begins its scheduled summer recess on August 8.

According to journalist Eleanor Terrett, Senate leadership discussed keeping lawmakers in Washington beyond the planned recess if they had enough votes to call cloture and move the bill forward. However, she noted that the discussions remained smooth. That’s because some senators are also pushing for votes on the Save America Act and the Russia-Iran sanctions package.

The Senate calendar creates a new barrier

The delay is largely procedural rather than policy-related. Senate Majority Leader John Thune prioritized Russia sanctions legislation. Under Senate rules, only one major contested bill typically passes through the chamber at a time.

The time available for speakers through Senate business, including commemorative proceedings, has also been reduced. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to get the Clarity Act on the schedule before lawmakers leave Washington.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the SEC Paul Atkins He said he remains optimistic that Congress will pass the Clarity Act, calling the legislation the best way to give the cryptocurrency industry regulatory certainty in the long term. He said the SEC is prepared to set rules to implement the bill if it becomes law. Alternatively, the SEC could address similar issues in the cryptocurrency market if Congress fails to act.

However, Atkins emphasized that a clear act of Congress would provide the strongest foundation. This would help regulate “future-proof” cryptocurrencies in the US

Trump could recall senators again

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

For now, a final Senate vote on the CLARITY Act appears unlikely before next week. Even if it is approved in the Senate, the bill would still have to pass the House again before it reaches President Trump’s desk. If not, consideration of the bill will likely be delayed until Congress returns in September.

What does the delay mean for cryptocurrencies?

This postponement tightens the timeline for one of the most anticipated regulatory bills in the cryptocurrency industry. If the Senate is unable to advance the legislation before the August recess, the measure could face additional delays later this year. That’s because Congress will turn its attention to election-related priorities and a busy legislative calendar.

In the meantime, the industry is expected to rely on the implementation of the GENIUS Code for stablecoins. Additionally, the cryptocurrency industry will have ongoing regulatory oversight from the SEC and CFTC, while awaiting broader market structure legislation.

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