Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong are pressing Congress to pass the Clarity Act, a bill that would establish clearer rules for digital assets. Their push comes as Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to force a full floor vote on the legislation next week. The industry's top executives are making a direct appeal, but the vote's path remains uncertain.
Garlinghouse and Armstrong make their case
Both CEOs have argued that the current regulatory patchwork — a mix of state-by-state rules and conflicting federal guidance — is holding back the crypto industry. They contend that the Clarity Act would replace that confusion with a single national standard, making it easier for companies to operate and for consumers to know their rights. The two executives have been meeting with lawmakers in recent days, though neither has publicly detailed the conversations.
A vote with uncertain support
Thune's decision to schedule a floor vote next week signals that Republican leadership sees the bill as a priority. But the measure may lack bipartisan support, according to people familiar with the discussions. Some Democrats have raised concerns about investor protections and whether the bill goes far enough to prevent market manipulation. Without cross-aisle backing, the Clarity Act could stall even if it clears the Senate.
The week ahead on Capitol Hill
The Senate is expected to take up the Clarity Act as early as Monday. If it passes, the bill would move to the House, where its fate is less clear. For now, Garlinghouse and Armstrong are making their case directly to lawmakers, hoping to sway undecided votes. The vote is scheduled for next week. Whether the bill has enough support to clear the Senate remains the open question.
