Delay in U.S. Senate Vote on 'Clarity Act' Leaves 2026 Passage Uncertain

The U.S. Senate is spending its last moments addressing the digital asset regulation bill, the 'Clarity Act', ahead of the summer recess. As of July 31, the Senate has not even begun the procedural steps for deliberating the 'Clarity Act', and with the summer break approaching, there is insufficient time for legislative discussions. This bill is expected to have a significant impact on major digital asset markets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Currently, the main point of contention is the 'ethics provisions', with Senators Ruben Gallego and Thom Tillis having delivered a compromise proposal to the White House, but no official response has been received. If an agreement on the ethics issue is reached, it is likely that the remaining issues will be resolved quickly. Should the White House approve the amendments, the 'cloture' process could accelerate, but it appears there will be insufficient time for the bill to pass. This procedural vote is expected to serve as a political litmus test for the cryptocurrency industry, and the outcome could influence the allocation of political funds in the 2026 midterm elections. Cryptocurrency industry groups have pointed out that delays in U.S. regulation are leading to a decline in market competitiveness, noting that currently, 80% of cryptocurrency developers are operating outside the U.S. With the procedural vote this week remaining uncertain, if it passes, it could pave the way for the bill's processing after the September session resumes.