Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego cautioned that a hasty Senate vote on the CLARITY Act could undermine the bipartisan effort to establish U.S. crypto market structure legislation. Speaking at the SALT Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, Gallego urged lawmakers to continue negotiations rather than push for an immediate procedural vote.
The bill remains incomplete, with unresolved disputes over ethics provisions and stablecoin yield regulations still under discussion. Gallego emphasized that premature action could set back progress, noting that Congress must first address the Agriculture Committee’s portion of the bill, assemble the broader package, and determine a path to the House.
A procedural vote before negotiators secure the 60-vote threshold in the Senate would risk derailing the bipartisan coalition needed for passage. Gallego stated, “Don’t go for a fast vote. A fast vote gets you a fast result, but I’m not sure it’s the result you want.” He added that any premature movement would only delay the process further.
Gallego and Republican Senator Thom Tillis submitted compromise ethics language to the White House before the congressional recess but have not received a detailed response. Stronger ethics restrictions are seen as critical to securing Democratic backing. Gallego said, “We’ve been sending offers over and over again to the White House, and they’ve been coming back either blank, or they’ve come back even slightly further back, or we’ve heard nothing.”
The White House has not provided a point-by-point response to the proposals. Trump administration officials, including crypto adviser Patrick Witt, have previously indicated they would negotiate with Democrats until the scheduled September vote but warned they could not wait indefinitely.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed on August 7 that the chamber would delay action until September, stating the bill would be prioritized upon lawmakers’ return from recess.
