TLDR
- CLARITY Act markup may be delayed until May as lawmakers seek more time to resolve stablecoin yield disagreements.
- Banking groups warn stablecoin yields could trigger deposit outflows, especially affecting smaller community banks.
- Crypto firms support flexible rewards models, with proposals tied to platform activity rather than passive balances.
- CLARITY Act progress faces time pressure as midterm risks grow and industry groups push Senate action forward.
A U.S. senator has called for a delay in the Senate markup of the CLARITY Act, citing unresolved disagreements between banking and crypto stakeholders. The request adds to growing pressure as lawmakers weigh timing and policy details around digital asset regulation.
Senate faces timing pressure on CLARITY Act markup
Senator Thom Tillis urged Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott to postpone the CLARITY Act markup until May. He said more time is needed to resolve disputes over stablecoin yield provisions. His position reflects ongoing talks between banking groups and crypto representatives.
At the same time, The Digital Chamber pushed for quicker action. The group confirmed it sent a letter urging lawmakers to move the CLARITY Act forward. The tweet stressed the need for a transparent and bipartisan process while continuing improvements.
Tillis emphasized that rushing the CLARITY Act could lead to unresolved issues. He noted that all parties should have a clear basis for decisions. As a result, discussions continue around stablecoin rules and broader regulatory authority.
Delays have raised concerns among industry participants about the legislative timeline. The CLARITY Act already passed the House with bipartisan support in July 2025. However, progress in the Senate has slowed due to policy disagreements.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned earlier that political shifts could affect the bill’s future. He suggested that changes in congressional control after the midterms could disrupt ongoing negotiations. This has added urgency to current discussions.
Industry groups push forward as debates continue
The Digital Chamber stated that more than 270 days have passed since the House approved the CLARITY Act. It argued that further delay risks slowing progress on digital asset regulation. The group linked timely action to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in financial innovation.
Banking industry representatives continue to raise concerns about stablecoin yield provisions in the CLARITY Act. They warn that offering yield could lead to deposit outflows from traditional banks. Community banks, in particular, may face funding pressure under such conditions.
On the other hand, crypto firms support more flexible provisions within the Act. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and others have advocated for enabling certain stablecoin rewards. Reports indicate that a compromise may allow rewards tied to platform activity, not passive holdings.
Even so, not all participants agree on waiting for perfect terms before moving forward. Some industry voices argue that advancing the CLARITY Act now remains the priority. They see markup as a necessary step to refine details through a formal process.
Lawmakers are now balancing calls for delay with demands for action on the Act. Discussions continue within the Senate Banking Committee as stakeholders seek common ground. The outcome will determine whether the bill advances before the midterm elections.
For now, the CLARITY Act remains at a critical stage. Timing decisions and policy adjustments will shape the next phase of digital asset regulation in the United States.
