Bitcoin and XRP Await Fed Decision After CLARITY Act Stalls

Crypto markets are reacting to two back‑to‑back events: a procedural vote in the U.S. Senate that failed to move the CLARITY Act forward and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest‑rate decision.

CLARITY Act vote falls short

The Senate vote on September 15 missed the 60‑vote threshold, ending at 49‑50. The motion was procedural, not a final passage vote, and it stalls formal consideration of the bill that aims to clarify jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC for digital assets. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he will continue to work on the legislation, while some analysts view the failure as a sign the bill is unlikely to succeed.

Market reaction

Following the vote, Bitcoin slipped below $76,000 and XRP fell nearly 10% toward $1.30. More than $300 million in leveraged positions were liquidated within minutes, according to Coinglass data.

Fed rate decision on September 16

With the legislative momentum stalled, attention has turned to the Federal Reserve’s rate decision. Markets price roughly a 92.5% chance of a 25‑basis‑point hike, which would raise the federal funds rate to a 3.75%–4.00% range – the first increase since 2023. Treasury yields are near 5%, adding pressure to risk assets.

Analysts expect the Fed Chair’s tone to influence market direction more than the hike itself. A hawkish stance could deepen the recent sell‑off, while a softer tone might provide relief for both Bitcoin and XRP.

What traders are watching

• Bitcoin: Traders like Michaël van de Poppe see the $74,000‑$75,000 area as a potential buying opportunity if the price tests recent lows.
• XRP: The token broke below its $1.33‑$1.55 consolidation range and is now testing support near $1.00‑$1.10.

Investors will monitor the Fed Chair’s forward‑looking remarks and whether Bitcoin can hold around $75,000 and XRP can stabilize above $1.30.