The U.S. House just broke a record—and not for the best reason. After nearly ten hours of procedural limbo, lawmakers finally agreed to advance two major cryptocurrency bills: the CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act. This marathon session was the longest vote in the House’s history. At the heart of the standoff? A heated fight over central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
A group of Republican lawmakers refused to move forward unless there was a clear ban on CBDCs. These holdouts feared the federal government could use a digital dollar to track citizens’ spending. After tough behind-the-scenes negotiations, House leadership promised to add anti-CBDC language to a must-pass defense bill—the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). That deal broke the stalemate, and the crypto bills are now headed for final votes.
GENIUS Act Could Spark a New Era for Digital Assets
The GENIUS Act is a cornerstone of the U.S. crypto strategy. It aims to regulate stablecoins, provide clearer rules for digital assets, and boost innovation in the sector. Supporters believe it could create a safer and more transparent framework for crypto businesses and users alike. Importantly, the bill includes language saying it does not expand the Federal Reserve’s power to issue a CBDC—quieting some fears from within the Republican ranks.
Former President Donald Trump has publicly backed the GENIUS Act and is eager to sign it into law before the end of the week. Republican leaders are also calling this “Crypto Week” in Washington, signaling a coordinated push to reshape the future of digital finance in the U.S. While some lawmakers remain cautious, most agree that regulation is better than uncertainty—especially in a market as volatile as crypto.
CBDC Controversy Slows but Doesn’t Stop Crypto Progress
Even though the GENIUS Act isn’t open to changes right now, Republican lawmakers didn’t give up their fight against a U.S. CBDC. They argue that a government-backed digital currency could be a surveillance tool, undermining privacy and financial freedom. In response, House leaders promised to add anti-CBDC provisions to the CLARITY Act and the upcoming NDAA bill. This was enough to sway the holdouts.
The Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act, introduced separately, also seeks to block the Federal Reserve from launching a CBDC without congressional approval. Together, these bills form a strong line of defense against what some see as government overreach. While the Senate’s stance remains unclear, these moves show growing momentum in the House to define the U.S. approach to digital currencies before the technology overtakes policy.
Crypto Market Structure Closer to Clarity
The CLARITY Act is another big win for digital assets in the U.S. Designed by top House Republicans, it sets clearer rules for how crypto markets should work. This includes defining what counts as a security vs. a commodity, and laying out how crypto companies must comply with federal law. The bill is seen as a response to years of confusion and legal fights involving regulators like the SEC.
Crypto advocates hope the CLARITY Act will make the U.S. more competitive on the global stage. Countries like the U.K. and Japan are already ahead in creating frameworks for digital assets. By catching up now, the U.S. can avoid driving innovation overseas. If passed, the CLARITY Act could help crypto firms operate with more confidence, and protect investors from shady or unclear practices.
Crypto Future Hinges on Senate and White House
Now that the U.S. House has cleared major hurdles, attention turns to the Senate and the White House. While Speaker Mike Johnson supports breaking the bills into smaller votes to improve chances of passage, it’s unclear whether the Senate will follow. But with former President Trump actively involved—and promising to sign the GENIUS Act—there’s growing pressure to act fast.
For now, crypto supporters are calling this week a turning point. If both the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act become law, the U.S. could finally enter a new phase of digital asset regulation. With strong protections against CBDCs and new pathways for responsible innovation, the message is clear: America is ready to take crypto seriously.
