Nearly 100 Catholic bishops and church leaders have sent a letter to Senate leadership opposing the CLARITY Act, arguing one of its core provisions would weaken federal safeguards against human trafficking and other financial crimes. The letter arrives just before a Senate floor vote on the legislation.
The letter’s core argument
The bishops and church leaders wrote that the CLARITY Act, as currently drafted, threatens to roll back protections designed to keep traffickers and money launderers from exploiting the financial system. They didn't specify which provision they object to, but their statement suggests they believe the bill would create loopholes that criminals could exploit.
“Weakening these safeguards would be a serious mistake,” the group wrote, according to a copy of the letter obtained by GFdaily. “We urge the Senate to reject the CLARITY Act in its present form.” The letter was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
What the CLARITY Act does
The CLARITY Act — short for Corporate Liability & Accountability for Reporting Illicit Transactions Act — has been promoted by some lawmakers as a way to streamline reporting requirements for financial institutions. But the bishops argue that streamlining could come at the cost of reducing oversight, especially in cases involving human trafficking.
Opponents of the bill say it would make it harder for federal agencies to track suspicious transactions tied to forced labor and sex trafficking. Supporters contend the measure would cut red tape without compromising enforcement.
Timing of the opposition
The letter was sent ahead of a Senate floor vote, which has not yet been scheduled but is expected in the coming weeks. The group of bishops and church leaders includes archbishops, cardinals, and heads of Catholic organizations. Their collective voice gives the opposition weight within conservative and religious circles, where the CLARITY Act had previously drawn some support.
It’s not the first time Catholic leaders have weighed in on financial crime legislation. But the speed and coordination of this letter — nearly 100 signatories — is unusual.
The Senate will now have to decide whether to proceed with the vote as planned or delay to address the concerns raised. No amendments have been publicly proposed yet.
