House Republicans have merged the Anti-CBDC Act with the bipartisan CLARITY Act through a procedural vote on September 26, 2025, combining a ban on Federal Reserve-issued retail central bank digital currencies with comprehensive cryptocurrency market structure reforms. The Anti-CBDC Act, introduced by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, passed largely along party lines in July with a 215-211 vote, reflecting Republican concerns about potential government surveillance through a digital dollar.
The CLARITY Act, which aims to resolve regulatory jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC by clearly defining digital asset classifications, garnered broader support with 78 Democrats joining Republicans. Despite initial resistance from committee leaders who feared losing Democratic support, pressure from GOP hardliners forced the combination of both measures.
However, the combined bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where lawmakers are preparing their own legislation spearheaded by Sens. Cynthia Lummis and Kirsten Gillibrand that establishes regulatory oversight but excludes a CBDC ban. Polymarket bettors give the CLARITY Act only a 35% chance of passing by year-end, down from 87% in July, with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) expressing concerns about giving the crypto industry too much influence.