The U.S. Senate on Tuesday failed to advance the Clarity Act, a sweeping cryptocurrency bill backed by President Donald Trump and major players in the digital asset industry.
The measure received 50 votes in favor and 49 against, falling short of the 60 votes required to advance. Four Republican senators — Jerry Moran, Susan Collins, Josh Hawley and Thom Tillis — joined Democrats in opposing the procedural motion. Tillis later switched his vote to no as part of a move that preserves the possibility of reconsidering the bill.
The Clarity Act seeks to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets, including clearer oversight of cryptocurrencies and the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Crypto companies have argued that legislation would provide greater legal certainty for the industry.
Senate Republicans released a revised version of the bill shortly before the vote in an attempt to address concerns from Democrats and the banking sector, but the changes failed to secure enough support. With Congress preparing to leave Washington ahead of the November midterm elections, the legislation now faces an uncertain path forward.
The setback also weighed on cryptocurrency markets. Bitcoin fell more than 5% at one point, while shares of Coinbase and Circle also declined sharply following the vote.
The failed procedural vote leaves federal regulators with a greater role in shaping cryptocurrency policy while Congress remains divided over a broader legislative framework.
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