Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse warned the CLARITY Act will stall unless the Senate acts within the next two weeks. The legislation faces a hard cutoff before midterms disrupt congressional business in early November. Garlinghouse emphasized time is running out for lawmakers to pass the bill.
Two-Week Window
The Senate has just 12 legislative days to advance the CLARITY Act before Congress adjourns for midterm campaigns. Lawmakers typically flee Washington by late October to focus on elections, leaving only about two weeks for floor votes. Garlinghouse stressed that missing this window would push the legislation to the next Congress in January. The CEO didn't specify which provisions are most vulnerable but made clear the timeline is non-negotiable.
Midterm Political Pressure
Control of the Senate hangs in the balance this November. If the current majority loses seats, the new Congress could abandon the bill entirely. Garlinghouse acknowledged the tight political calculus without naming specific senators. The legislation has lingered in committee for months without a clear path forward. Now the election clock is creating urgency lawmakers can't ignore. Industry observers say this is the last realistic chance to move the bill this year.
What Happens Next
The Senate Banking Committee must schedule a markup session within days to keep the bill alive. Lawmakers will need unanimous consent to bypass procedural delays, a rare occurrence this close to elections. Garlinghouse didn't detail Ripple's lobbying strategy but confirmed the company is engaging senators directly. If the bill fails to reach the floor by early November, it faces at least a three-month pause before any new session. The CEO's warning leaves no room for error: the next two weeks will decide whether the CLARITY Act moves forward.
