Senator Kennedy Hints at Imminent CLARITY Act Vote Amid Growing Crypto Regulation Pressure

CLARITY Act Gains Momentum in Senate

The CLARITY Act has resurfaced as a critical focus in the U.S. Senate amid mounting pressure to update stagnant crypto regulations. The spotlight is on whether the bill can advance from committee before the January deadline. Senator John Kennedy, after a bipartisan meeting, indicated to reporters that a market structure markup could be unveiled next week. According to Punchbowl News, Kennedy mentioned a possible vote on the CLARITY Act by the chairman, suggesting a markup release as early as Thursday. This urgency follows a period of diminished attention.

Senate Schedules Tight as MLK Day Approaches

As CoinGape previously reported, Senate bipartisan members met on Tuesday to discuss the bill. With limited in-session days before the Martin Luther King Jr. Day recess, Tim Scott informed legislators that his committee plans to proceed with a crypto market structure markup by January 15, even without finalized bipartisan support. The bill seeks to establish a coherent crypto market framework, addressing concerns that existing oversight is fragmented and impedes compliance and strategic planning.

Political Challenges Loom Despite Legislative Progress

Despite renewed legislative activity, analysts remain cautious. TD Cowen has warned that political dynamics could delay the bill's passage through Congress until 2027, with potential implementation not occurring until 2029. TD Cowen policy analysts suggest that although growth is possible this year, it remains highly improbable due to competing legislative priorities. Jaret Seiberg, managing director at TD Cowen, attributes this to shifting political incentives, noting that Democratic lawmakers may not feel compelled to expedite matters before the 2026 midterms.