Bitcoin surged 3% to trade above $82,000 on Thursday, notching more than $1 billion in 24-hour spot volume. The same day, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee advanced the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (H.R. 3633) by a 15-9 vote, moving the bill one step closer to a full floor debate.
What the Clarity Act does
The legislation would split federal oversight of digital assets between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. It defines which agency regulates tokens, stablecoins, and intermediaries, a jurisdictional question that has tripped up enforcement for years. The committee vote was largely along party lines, with all but one Republican supporting and all Democrats opposed.
Bitcoin's move past $82K
Bitfinex analysts attributed the rally to spot ETF inflows and long-term accumulation, not to corporate buying linked to Strategy Inc. (STRC). Long-horizon investors now hold roughly 4 million bitcoin, the strongest two-quarter accumulation streak since the COVID-19 crash in 2020. That suggests patient money, not speculative frenzy, is pushing prices higher.
Corporate accumulation continues
Strategy Inc. (STRC) reported $1.24 billion in issuance volume this week, acquiring about 11,709 bitcoin at an effective yield of 11.5%. Meanwhile, Strive (SATA) said it plans to begin daily cash dividends in June, offering a 13% annual rate that compounds to roughly 13.88%. Both moves signal that large holders are betting on sustained demand.
The Clarity Act now heads to the full Senate, where its chances are unclear. The White House hasn't staked out a position, and the 15-9 committee split suggests a tough floor fight.
