The U.S. Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward, with Sen. John Cornyn (R) voting to proceed to debate on the cryptocurrency regulatory package. The vote was 49-50.
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, H.R. 3633, would establish a federal framework for digital assets and define regulatory responsibilities between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The legislation also includes provisions addressing digital asset exchanges and other aspects of cryptocurrency markets.
Before the vote, Cornyn had expressed concerns about the bill's potential effect on community banks and safeguards against cryptocurrency being diverted for criminal purposes. Following the vote, Cornyn said he supported moving the legislation forward while continuing to seek changes.
"Today, I voted to proceed to debate on the Clarity Act, legislation that would provide oversight on digital assets like crypto," said Cornyn. "Congress should establish a federal framework to protect investors, provide clear rules of the road, and promote American innovation and entrepreneurship."
Today, I voted to proceed to debate on the Clarity Act, legislation that would provide oversight on digital assets like crypto.
Congress should establish a federal framework to protect investors, provide clear rules of the road, and promote American innovation and…
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) September 15, 2026
The bill had advanced through the Senate Banking Committee in May following bipartisan negotiations and was later placed on the Senate legislative calendar.
The Senate's vote means the legislation did not clear the procedural hurdle needed to begin consideration on the Senate floor. The measure is not formally dead, but its path forward remains uncertain.
