This article was first published on TurkishNY Radio.
The long-running effort to bring clear federal rules to the US crypto market is moving into a decisive phase.
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, commonly known as the CLARITY Act, is set to enter Senate committee markup in January, according to White House AI and crypto policy adviser David Sacks.
The confirmation signals a major step forward after months of uncertainty surrounding the bill’s timeline.
Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman have agreed to begin formal review of the legislation early next year, following its passage in the House in July.
In a post shared on X, Sacks said lawmakers are “closer than ever” to passing crypto market structure legislation, adding that Senate leaders aim to “finish the job in January.”
For the crypto industry, the announcement offers renewed momentum after a year marked by regulatory disputes and legislative delays.
CLARITY Act Senate Markup and What Comes Next
Markup is the stage where legislation is examined in detail, with senators debating provisions, proposing amendments, and refining language before a full chamber vote.
For the CLARITY Act, this process will involve two committees with overlapping responsibilities.
The Senate Agriculture Committee oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, while the Senate Banking Committee supervises the Securities and Exchange Commission and broader financial markets.
Their joint involvement reflects the bill’s central purpose: defining which regulator has authority over different types of digital assets.
For years, uncertainty around whether tokens should be treated as securities or commodities has shaped enforcement actions and legal challenges.
Industry participants have frequently argued that the lack of clear definitions has discouraged innovation and pushed activity outside the United States.
Discussion threads on Reddit’s CryptoCurrency community describe the markup phase as “the real test” for whether lawmakers can move beyond enforcement-led oversight and toward predictable rules.
Key Issues Senators Are Expected to Address
During markup, senators are expected to focus on how digital assets are classified and when regulatory responsibility shifts between agencies.
One proposal under discussion involves more explicit thresholds for determining when a token qualifies as a digital commodity rather than a security.
Implementation timelines are also likely to receive attention. Lawmakers may adjust how quickly exchanges, brokers, and custodians are required to register with federal regulators, along with how oversight is coordinated during the transition period.
Another area under review is federal preemption. While the bill aims to reduce overlapping state-level requirements, committee leaders have indicated they do not want to undermine state enforcement authority.
Policy analysts commenting on X have noted that balancing national consistency with local oversight will be key to maintaining bipartisan support.
Why the CLARITY Act Matters for US Crypto Markets
If enacted, the CLARITY Act would place spot digital commodity markets under CFTC supervision and introduce a federal registration framework for crypto trading platforms. Supporters argue that this would replace legal uncertainty with defined compliance standards.
Industry executives have repeatedly said that clearer rules could encourage institutional participation, improve consumer protections, and reduce the risk of conflicting enforcement actions.
Public statements from companies such as Coinbase, Ripple, and Circle have emphasized the need for consistent federal guidance.
From a global perspective, analysts point out that other regions already operate under established crypto frameworks.
Research published by the Blockchain Association suggests that regulatory clarity could help the US remain competitive while keeping market activity onshore.
Delays, Shutdowns, and What Comes Next
The bill’s progress has been slower than some lawmakers initially anticipated. Senator Cynthia Lummis previously suggested the legislation could reach President Donald Trump’s desk before the end of 2025.
However, a 43-day US government shutdown in October and November delayed Senate action.
Despite the interruption, discussions continued behind the scenes. Congressional disclosures and industry statements indicate that regulators and crypto executives remained engaged during the shutdown period to preserve momentum.
If the Senate passes the CLARITY Act with amendments, it will return to the House for final approval before heading to the president for signature. If timelines hold, the US could see its first structured federal crypto market framework take effect by 2026.
Summary
The CLARITY Act is moving closer to becoming law, with Senate committees expected to begin reviewing it in January. Lawmakers will examine and refine the bill, which aims to clarify how digital assets are regulated and how responsibilities are shared between the SEC and the CFTC.
If it advances as planned, the legislation could give the US its first clear federal structure for crypto markets by 2026, easing long-standing uncertainty.
Glossary of Key Terms
CLARITY Act
A proposed US law meant to bring clearer rules to crypto markets by explaining which federal agencies oversee different types of digital assets and trading platforms.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
A US regulator that oversees commodities and derivatives markets and would supervise crypto assets treated as digital commodities under the CLARITY Act.
Crypto Market Structure
The set of rules that determines how cryptocurrencies are issued, traded, and regulated, including how exchanges, brokers, and platforms operate under the law.
Digital Asset
A digital item, such as a cryptocurrency or token, that uses blockchain technology to store value or rights and can be transferred electronically.
Federal Preemption
A legal rule that allows federal laws to override state laws in certain areas, helping create consistent regulations while preserving basic consumer protections.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
A US agency that regulates securities markets and protects investors, with authority over crypto assets classified as securities rather than commodities.
Senate Markup
A stage in the lawmaking process where Senate committees closely review a bill, suggest changes, and agree on a final version before a vote.
Spot Market
A market where assets are bought and sold for immediate settlement, rather than through contracts that settle at a later date.
FAQs About CLARITY Act
What is the CLARITY Act about?
The CLARITY Act aims to bring clearer crypto rules in the US by explaining how the SEC and CFTC oversee digital assets and related trading platforms.
How could the CLARITY Act help crypto markets?
It helps reduce confusion for companies and users, supports compliant exchanges, encourages institutional involvement, and keeps crypto activity within the US under clearer federal rules.
Does the CLARITY Act impact security, privacy, or compliance?
The bill focuses on clearer compliance standards, not personal data collection, while strengthening oversight, disclosures, and registration requirements for crypto platforms operating in US markets.
What happens next with the CLARITY Act?
The bill enters Senate markup in January, then moves through amendments, votes, House reconciliation, and presidential review, with possible implementation beginning around 2026.
