Senate Leader Signals Clarity Act May Be Delayed Until April

Efforts to advance a key cryptocurrency market structure bill in the United States may take longer than expected, according to Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The legislation, known as the Clarity Act, is intended to establish clearer rules for the digital asset sector but could remain under review for several more weeks.

Reports from Punchbowl News, later highlighted by journalist Eleanor Terrett on X, suggest that the bill is unlikely to pass the Senate Banking Committee before April. Thune reportedly noted that while progress is being made, lawmakers still need additional time to address unresolved elements of the proposal.

Proposed Framework for Regulating Digital Assets

The Clarity Act is designed to introduce a comprehensive regulatory structure for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets in the United States. Its main objective is to clarify which regulators oversee different aspects of the industry and how market participants should operate under federal rules.

While the legislation has already moved forward in the U.S. House of Representatives, negotiations in the U.S. Senate are still ongoing as policymakers attempt to resolve several technical and political disagreements.

Debate Over Stablecoin Yield Intensifies

One of the most contested aspects of the bill concerns whether companies should be permitted to offer interest or yield on stablecoins. Traditional banking institutions argue that allowing such features could shift deposits away from banks while avoiding the strict regulations imposed on the conventional financial system.

Cryptocurrency companies, however, have been lobbying lawmakers to maintain flexibility in the market, arguing that such products are essential for innovation and competition in the digital asset space.

White House Says Stablecoins Could Boost Banks

Officials within the White House have challenged the idea that stablecoins necessarily threaten the banking sector. Earlier this week, Patrick Witt stated that properly regulated stablecoins could actually attract international capital into the U.S. financial system rather than divert funds from banks.

Senate Bill Blocks Federal Reserve CBDC

In parallel with crypto regulatory discussions, the Senate recently approved a broader housing bill that includes a clause preventing the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The measure will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration and voting.

Political Focus Shifts Toward the SAVE America Act

Another legislative priority currently attracting attention in Washington is the SAVE America Act, strongly supported by Donald Trump. The Senate is expected to vote on the proposal in the coming week.

The bill would require individuals to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship before registering to vote. Trump has previously said he would refuse to sign additional legislation until the measure becomes law.

Regulatory Clarity Seen as Market Boost

Despite the uncertain timeline for the Clarity Act, market analysts believe that clearer regulation could play a major role in shaping the digital asset industry this year. Analysts at JPMorgan have described the possible adoption of a market structure framework as a “positive catalyst” for the crypto sector, particularly in the second half of the year.

Greater regulatory clarity, they argue, could encourage stronger participation from institutional investors and unlock new flows of capital into the market.

Earlier this month, Trump also commented on the issue through a post on Truth Social, describing the Clarity Act as the “next step to finish the job.” He linked the bill to the earlier passage of the GENIUS Act, which he characterized as the first move toward establishing U.S. leadership in the global digital asset industry.