Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis has announced her goal of passing two major cryptocurrency bills—the CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act—by the end of 2026. Speaking at the Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., Lummis emphasized bipartisan cooperation as key to establishing a clear legal foundation for the digital asset ecosystem.
Crypto Bills in Focus: CLARITY and GENIUS
The proposed legislation includes:
- CLARITY Act (Digital Asset Market Clarity Act): Focused on defining crypto market structure, regulatory boundaries, and compliance standards for digital assets.
- GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins): Aims to regulate stablecoins, establish issuance frameworks, and protect consumer interests.
“I would be extremely disappointed if both bills weren’t passed by the end of 2026,” Lummis said, reinforcing her commitment to digital asset policy reform.
Bipartisan Dynamics and Challenges
Lummis, who chairs the Senate Banking Committee’s digital asset subcommittee, acknowledged the difficult political environment surrounding crypto legislation. While some Democrats have supported the bills, others have raised concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly regarding former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the crypto space.
“I don’t want to come up with a piece of legislation that the other side of the aisle feels they haven’t had adequate input in,” Lummis said at a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
The GENIUS Act already passed a Senate vote on June 17, with 18 Democrats among the 68 votes in favor, indicating potential bipartisan momentum.
Presidential Involvement Adds Complexity
The path to legislation is further complicated by the former president’s direct involvement in crypto, including:
- Launching his own line of memecoins
- Holding a stake in World Liberty Financial, a crypto business backed by his family
- Receiving political donations from crypto executives
These connections have led some lawmakers to delay support over potential ethical concerns, even as Trump has stated he would sign the GENIUS Act “with no add-ons” if passed swiftly.
Outlook: Realistic or Ambitious?
While Lummis is aiming for a 2026 deadline, Bo Hines, Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, recently claimed the GENIUS Act could be ready before Congress’ August recess. However, with Republicans holding only a slim majority in the House, passing both bills will require continued Democratic support.
Conclusion: Crypto Regulation Gathers Steam in Washington
The push for regulatory clarity on digital assets is gaining traction in Congress. If passed, the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts could provide long-overdue structure for crypto markets and stablecoin issuance, paving the way for broader institutional adoption and investor confidence.
With growing bipartisan interest and political urgency, 2026 may mark a turning point for U.S. crypto legislation—but only if consensus can be built across party lines.
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.