In Washington, the regulatory future of cryptos may be decided in the coming months. In the midst of market volatility, the CLARITY Act stands out as a pivotal text for the American crypto industry. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is advocating for its rapid passage, saying legislative clarification could ease investor sentiment. Behind this tight schedule lies a major political issue: securing the crypto framework before the electoral balances of 2026 reshuffle the cards.
In brief
- The CLARITY Act stands out as a key text for structuring crypto regulation in the United States.
- Scott Bessent believes that its rapid adoption could calm a market weakened by high volatility.
- The political calendar becomes a determining factor, with a narrow Republican majority in the House.
- The 2026 mid-term elections pose a risk of a shift likely to reshuffle the regulatory cards.
The CLARITY Act presented as an immediate stabilization factor
In the midst of market tensions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has placed the blocked CLARITY Act at the center of the regulatory debate. His intervention, relayed by CNBC, comes as the crypto market is going through a period of marked volatility, characterized by significant sales. The American official believes that a clear legislative signal could help to calm this situation.
Her message is based on a precise timetable and the need to act quickly in order to avoid institutional blockage. According to him, the current political window must be exploited to secure the adoption of the text before the electoral context further complicates the parliamentary process.
In particular, he declared :
- “At a time when we are going through one of these historically volatile sales waves, I think providing more clarity around the CLARITY Act would provide real calm to the market and allow us to move forward.” ;
- The project must be adopted “as quickly as possible”to be sent to President Donald Trump for signature in the spring;
- If the Democrats take over the House, “the prospects of reaching an agreement will simply collapse” .
These comments clearly position the CLARITY Act as a lever for stabilizing investor sentiment, in an environment where regulatory uncertainty adds to market fluctuations.
The electoral equation and the risk of a political shift
Beyond the procedural urgency, the debate takes place in a sensitive electoral context. The Republican Party currently has a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, with 218 seats to the Democrats' 214, according to official House data. This four-seat lead places every vote under high tension as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Several observers underline the risk of a reversal. Joe Doll, former general legal counsel for the NFT marketplace Magic Eden, recalls that the balance of power frequently shifts during the midterms.
Economist Ray Dalio warned in January that President Trump is enjoying a “an unfettered two-year term” likely to be “significantly weakened in the 2026 midterm elections and reversed in the 2028 election”if the guidelines are not enshrined in law.
Prediction markets reflect this uncertainty. On Polymarket, 47% of traders anticipate a shared Congress in 2026while the probability of full Democratic control of both chambers stands at 37%.
In Washington, the political calendar now weighs as much as the markets. While its adoption could reassure investors, the CLARITY Act worries sector leaders, aware that an electoral shift in 2026 could redefine the regulatory balance. More than a technical text, it embodies a strategic battle for the future of American cryptos.
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