SEC Chair Paul Atkins is pushing Congress to move the CLARITY Act to President Trump's desk. In a public call this week, Atkins urged lawmakers to approve the legislation, saying it would bring much-needed order to digital asset markets. The request lands as the administration signals a renewed focus on crypto regulation.
Atkins' plea to lawmakers
Atkins didn't mince words. He told members of Congress that passing the CLARITY Act is a top priority for the Securities and Exchange Commission. The bill, he argued, would give clear rules for tokens and exchanges, ending years of regulatory confusion. Atkins stressed that the act has bipartisan support and is ready for a vote.
The SEC chair's push comes after months of industry complaints about inconsistent enforcement. Regulators have struggled to classify digital assets, leaving companies uncertain about which rules apply. Atkins said the CLARITY Act would settle that debate once and for all.
What the bill aims to fix
While the full text of the CLARITY Act hasn't been released, its stated goal is to define when a digital token counts as a security. That question has haunted the crypto space for years. The SEC has brought dozens of cases against issuers, but courts have reached mixed conclusions. Atkins wants Congress to step in and write a clean, workable definition.
He also highlighted the need to protect investors without choking innovation. The act is expected to create a registration pathway for tokens that function more like commodities than stocks. That would shift oversight from the SEC to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for many projects.
The political landscape
Trump has signaled support for crypto-friendly policies, but the bill has stalled in committee. Atkins' public nudge may be aimed at breaking the logjam. Some lawmakers worry about giving the SEC too much power, while others say the bill doesn't go far enough. Atkins called on both sides to compromise.
“This is a moment for action, not more debate,” he said, according to a transcript of his remarks. The White House has not commented on the timing of a potential signature.
Next steps on the Hill
The House Financial Services Committee is expected to mark up the CLARITY Act in the coming weeks. A floor vote could follow if leadership decides to prioritize it. Atkins said he's ready to work with any lawmaker who wants to improve the bill.
For now, the crypto industry watches closely. Companies that have waited years for clear rules are hoping this time is different. Whether Congress delivers or punts again remains an open question.
