SEC Chair Atkins Says CLARITY Act Expected to Move Forward in September

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins told Fox Business that he expects the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act to be considered by the Senate in September and ultimately reach the president’s desk for signature.

Senate procedural vote set for September 15

The Senate will hold a cloture vote on September 15 to decide whether to proceed with the bill. A supermajority of 60 votes is required to clear the procedural hurdle before debate, amendments and a final vote can occur.

Legislative background

• The House passed H.R. 3633, the CLARITY Act, by a 294‑134 vote in July 2025.
• The Senate Banking Committee advanced its version by a 15‑9 vote in May 2026.

Key points of disagreement

Negotiations have focused on:

• Stablecoin reward provisions – banking groups want tighter rules to prevent crypto platforms from offering rewards tied to stablecoin balances, while crypto firms oppose restrictions.
• Ethics rules – some Democratic lawmakers seek stronger limits on government officials’ involvement with digital assets.

Regulators continue rulemaking

Both the SEC and CFTC are advancing separate crypto‑related proposals under existing authority. The SEC recently sent a crypto custody proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the CFTC indicated it will pursue market‑structure rules regardless of the bill’s passage.

Outlook

Atkins expressed confidence that the Senate will move forward with the CLARITY Act in September, though the September 15 vote is procedural, not a final passage vote. Successful cloture will require bipartisan support.