The US House of Representatives passed three significant pieces of legislation this week, hallmarking what many in the crypto industry are calling the most impactful week for crypto policy in recent memory.
The bills are meant to target the crypto market structure, stablecoin regulation, and a preemptive block against a digital dollar. Although each addresses a different segment of the crypto ecosystem, they collectively point to an improving sentiment among lawmakers regarding the growing crypto industry.
House Passes CLARITY, GENIUS, And Anti-CBDC Bills
First, the House gave a resounding green light to the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, which passed with a bipartisan vote of 294–134. The bill was created to define how cryptocurrencies should be classified, either as securities under the SEC or as commodities under the CFTC. The passage of this bill marks a major milestone in the effort to bring regulatory clarity to both investors and innovators, something that has long eluded the US crypto sector. Despite receiving support from nearly 80 Democrats, the bill was not without opposition. Critics like Representative Maxine Waters argued that the legislation could allow harmful loopholes that weaken protections for retail investors.
Meanwhile, the GENIUS (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins) Act sailed through the legislative chamber with even bigger support. Having already cleared the Senate in June with a 68–30 vote, the House added its stamp of approval with a 308–122 result. The GENIUS Act sets strict guardrails around stablecoins, mandating that issuers fully back their tokens with reserves, undergo monthly audits, and comply with key anti-money laundering and consumer protection frameworks. Its quick passage culminated in President Trump signing it into law on July 18, making it the first major federal regulation specifically tailored to digital assets.
Rounding out the trio of bills is the controversial Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which passed by a narrower margin of 219–210. This bill proposes to block the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency. Supporters of the bill argue that a digital dollar would increase state surveillance over user finances. On the other hand, the legislation reduces the Fed’s ability to respond to global trends in central banking, particularly as countries like China continue advancing their own CBDCs.
What Comes Next?
As it stands, the GENIUS Act regulating stablecoins is already in effect. However, the CLARITY Act and Anti-CBDC bill will now move to the Senate, where their fate is less certain. Interestingly, the voting dynamics in the House of Representatives show that many Democratic lawmakers are positive about the crypto market.
Over 100 Democrats voted positively for the GENIUS Act, while 78 supported the CLARITY Act. The Senate is expected to scrutinize the two remaining bills more closely when it reconvenes. However, there is a high chance both bills will be passed without hiccups.
Market reaction to the news has been somewhat mixed. Bitcoin continues to trade steadily just above $118,000. Ethereum initially surged to $3,670, but is now back trading around $3,500.
Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com
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