Clarity Act Delayed to 2026 as Senate Committees Plan December Votes

U.S. Senator Tim Scott confirmed that the Clarity Act, a pivotal federal bill aimed at establishing a unified regulatory framework for digital assets, will not advance in 2025 and is now expected to see final passage in 2026. Scott attributed the delay to political maneuvering by Senate Democrats, stating the bill is being held back for political reasons rather than regulatory concerns.

The legislation seeks to clarify when a token qualifies as a security or commodity and designate oversight agencies, potentially involving the SEC and CFTC. In a recent development, the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees are planning votes in December 2025 on bipartisan drafts, which will be merged for debate early next year. Scott emphasized that both committees aim to mark up and vote next month, with the goal of bringing a consolidated bill to the Senate floor in early 2026.

Industry groups, including the Blockchain Association, have voiced that regulatory clarity is crucial to retain crypto innovation in the U.S., noting that unclear rules have already driven companies to jurisdictions like the U.K. and Singapore. Delays have been compounded by partisan differences and a 43-day government shutdown, but lawmakers signal progress toward a national crypto rulebook.