U.S. Senate Delays CLARITY Act, Vote Pushed to 2026

The U.S. Senate has postponed the CLARITY Act, a bill to regulate the cryptocurrency market. The Act proposes stricter anti-money-laundering standards, identity verification requirements, and a more defined regulatory structure for crypto trading and DeFi activity. It defines which assets fall under SEC of CFTC oversight and sets custody and reporting requirements for exchanges. The legislation also clarifies exemptions for small crypto projects and certain DeFi actvities.

Disagreements over policy have delayed a vote originally planned for this year. The bill is now expected to progress in early 2026.Senator John Kennedy of the Senate Banking Committee said that progress has been made, yet major issues are still unresolved. The Senate cannot schedule a final vote yet.

New Schedule for CLARITY Act

Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott confirmed a new schedule, saying the committee will resume work next year. The CLARITY Act has appeared under different names in the House and Senate, but lawmakers have treated it as a single plan to set rules for the crypto market.

Our crypto market structure work is about empowering the American people - including single moms like the one who raised me.

We’re aiming to markup bipartisan legislation next month and get it to President Trump’s desk to keep America economically dominant for decades. pic.twitter.com/8vHxbgvwSZ

— Senator Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) November 18, 2025

Scott said opposition from multiple sides has slowed progress. He pointed to Democrats for delays, while some Republicans are concerned about parts of the bill. Supporters hope the vote could come in early 2026, but the timing is uncertain.

The delay affects not only the CLARITY Act but also wider regulatory plans for crypto. Companies and investors expecting clear guidance will need to adjust and keep navigating uncertainty.

Disagreements on Crypto Oversight

Even with support from both parties for clearer crypto rules, disagreements remain. A main issue is DeFi. Democrats want tougher rules for identity checks and stopping money laundering, but crypto businesses and some Republicans resist.

Some critics worry that strict rules will block DeFi in the US. Supporters think clear rules are needed to prevent fraud, money laundering, and market manipulation. This debate shows how hard it is to balance new ideas and investor safety.

Some Democrats also worry that new crypto laws could make President Trump’s business projects, like his meme coin, seem more legitimate. Representative Maxine Waters warned that the bills could make Congress part of what she called crypto corruption.

Industry Reaction and Broader Implications

Delays in regulations could stop crypto companies from moving forward with growth and compliance plans. Analysts note this uncertainty may hurt investments, slow innovation, and affect the U.S.’s position in the global crypto market.

Investor sentiment could shift if the U.S. appears slower than other regions in establishing crypto rules. The Senate might review the CLARITY Act in 2026, but the near future will be filled with debate, lobbying, and public discussion. The results will define rules for years, influencing startups, investors, and everyday crypto participants.

What to Expect Next?

The CLARITY Act is currently on hold. Hearings and markups have been delayed, and a final vote date is not set. Lawmakers are expected to return in January 2026 to agree on a version both sides like.

For now, the crypto industry must follow existing rules and watch Washington closely. Any progress next year could affect how DeFi, stablecoins, and other blockchain projects are regulated.