Lawmakers prepare to vote on a long-awaited framework for digital asset market structure
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is moving closer to becoming law, with US lawmakers preparing to take the bill to Senate markup next week. The legislation is designed to establish a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto markets in the United States, an issue that has remained unresolved for years.
Senate Markup Signals Progress on Crypto Market Structure
US Senator Tim Scott confirmed that the Senate will vote on the market structure provisions of the CLARITY Act next Thursday. He emphasized that lawmakers have spent more than six months refining multiple drafts to ensure committee members had sufficient opportunity for review. The upcoming markup follows earlier indications that Senate action was expected in January.
Galaxy Digital head of research Alex Thorn said ;
The bill already passed the House of Representatives in July 2025. If the Senate approves the legislation without amendments, it would move directly to the president for final approval, bypassing another House vote.
Despite momentum, the bill remains controversial within the crypto sector. Some legal experts believe passage is likely, though concerns persist around illicit finance safeguards. Others warn that bipartisan agreement is not guaranteed, citing unresolved issues raised by Senate Democrats.
Proposed changes include requiring DeFi front-end interfaces to comply with sanctions and expanding enforcement authority for the Treasury Department to combat illegal activity.
Ongoing debate around the CLARITY Act has contributed to heightened market volatility. Analysts point to recent outflows from crypto investment products as evidence that delayed regulatory clarity continues to impact investor confidence, reinforcing the importance of the upcoming Senate vote.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.