Senate delays CLARITY Act markup as SEC plans May 2026 crypto roundtable
The Senate Banking Committee has delayed its planned April markup of the CLARITY Act, a bill aimed at regulating digital assets. The postponement comes after the confirmation process for a key nominee consumed the committee’s schedule. Meanwhile, the SEC has announced a roundtable in May 2026 to address unresolved questions about the bill’s framework. The markup was initially set for April but stalled when the Banking Committee focused on confirming a new appointee. Senator Tim Scott, who is leading the push, has since secured support from Senator Thom Tillis and other Republicans. Yet Senator John Kennedy remains the sole holdout, leaving the goal of unanimous GOP backing unmet.
A fresh obstacle emerged when Tillis highlighted opposition from law enforcement groups. They object to a provision shielding DeFi developers from liability if users engage in illicit activities on their platforms. This concern adds another layer of complexity to the bill’s path forward.
The SEC’s upcoming roundtable, scheduled for May 2026, follows its March 17 joint taxonomy with the CFTC. That document classified 16 digital assets as commodities, setting the stage for further debate. The roundtable will determine whether certain assets fall under SEC or CFTC oversight within the proposed market structure.
Senator Cynthia Lummis has warned that the current political alignment favouring the CLARITY Act is fragile. If the markup fails before May 21, the next viable opportunity may not arise until 2030. The Senate Banking Committee now aims to hold the markup the week of May 11, though success hinges on resolving remaining disagreements. The CLARITY Act’s future depends on securing full Republican support and addressing law enforcement concerns. With the SEC’s roundtable looming, the Senate must act swiftly to avoid a years-long delay. The outcome will shape how digital assets are regulated in the US for the foreseeable future.
