U.S. Crypto, Banks Escalate Lobbying Ahead of Clarity Act Vote

Crypto and banking groups are taking their fight over U.S. digital-asset legislation directly into senators’ home states as Congress approaches a key vote on the Clarity Act.

The lobbying push comes ahead of a September 15 Senate procedural vote on the bill, which seeks to establish a federal framework for digital assets and clarify the respective roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Crypto advocacy groups including Stand With Crypto and the Blockchain Association have mobilized supporters, placed local media advertisements and organized outreach targeting senators during the congressional recess. The industry argues that regulatory clarity is needed to support investment, innovation and jobs in the U.S.

Banks Push Back as Crypto Seeks Greater Market Access

Banks and their industry representatives are pushing back, particularly over provisions they say could allow crypto companies and stablecoin issuers to compete more directly with traditional banks for deposits and other financial activity.

The lobbying battle reflects a broader fight over who will control parts of the U.S. financial system as digital assets become increasingly integrated into mainstream financial services. Crypto interests have also committed substantial resources to U.S. politics, with more than $190 million spent on political efforts, according to Reuters.

The Clarity Act has support from President Donald Trump, but faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who have raised concerns including anti-money-laundering safeguards and potential risks to the banking sector.

September Vote Puts Crypto Regulation at a Political Crossroads

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, both sides are treating the current legislative window as critical. A failed Senate vote could push the market-structure debate further into the election cycle and potentially reshape the prospects for crypto legislation under the next Congress.

For the digital-asset industry, the battle is no longer limited to Washington. The campaign across senators’ home states shows how deeply crypto regulation has become intertwined with the future structure of U.S. finance.