The crypto market is watching Washington closely as uncertainty grows around the proposed CLARITY Act, a US bill meant to finally define how digital assets are regulated. Prices of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP remain relatively stable for now, but analysts warn that volatility could pick up as the political debate heats up.
Senate Delays CLARITY Act After Coinbase Pushback
The U.S. Senate Banking Committee delayed a planned markup of the bipartisan CLARITY Act after Coinbase said it could not support the current draft. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly criticized the bill, calling it worse than the existing regulatory setup. His comments raised fresh concerns about whether the legislation, in its current form, could slow innovation rather than support it.
What the CLARITY Act Is Trying to Change
The bill aims to divide oversight of digital assets between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Most cryptocurrencies would be classified as commodities, while new disclosure rules, anti-money laundering requirements, and consumer protections would be introduced. Supporters say this would reduce years of regulatory confusion that has held the industry back.
Why Industry Leaders Are Concerned
Armstrong pointed out several problem areas, including potential restrictions on tokenized equities, reduced privacy in decentralized finance, weaker authority for the CFTC, and limits on stablecoin rewards. Critics argue these provisions could make US crypto rules less competitive globally, which is why lawmakers decided to pause and reassess the bill.
What Analysts Are Saying About Market Impact
According to Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, the CLARITY Act is likely to bring volatility before clarity. He explained that crypto bills often go through repeated ups and downs before becoming law. Positive comments from politicians could lift prices, while negative headlines could trigger short-term pullbacks.
Prediction markets currently suggest the bill has about a 50–50 chance of passing. Hougan says he is slightly more positive than that, but still expects price swings over the next few months as expectations rise and fall.
Should the CLARITY Act Be Delayed?
Hougan does not believe a delay would help. He argues that even an imperfect bill is better than continued uncertainty. Without clear rules, crypto companies risk building products on a regulatory foundation that could change with every new administration. Over time, that instability could hurt innovation and long-term investment more than short-term market volatility.
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