US Crypto Bill Blocked: What Happens to the CLARITY Act Now

New York, 16 September 2026  — EBM Newsdesk Analysis. Anthony Gill

America’s attempt to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry has hit a major political roadblock after the US Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act in a crucial procedural vote. The measure received 49 votes in favour and 50 against on Tuesday, falling well short of the 60 votes required to move forward. All Democratic senators voted against the motion, joined by four Republicans — Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, Jerry Moran and Thom Tillis.

The defeat is a significant setback for an industry that has spent more than a year lobbying Congress for clearer rules governing digital assets. The CLARITY Act was designed to establish a framework dividing regulatory responsibilities between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, giving cryptocurrency companies greater certainty over whether individual assets should be treated as securities or commodities. The bill had already passed the House, making Tuesday’s Senate vote a critical stage in what had been one of Washington’s most closely watched financial-policy battles.

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