US Senator Cynthia Lummis has warned that Congress could lose its next realistic opportunity to pass comprehensive crypto market-structure legislation until 2030 if the CLARITY Act fails during the current session.
The Wyoming Republican is urging lawmakers to complete work on the bill as the Senate prepares for a key procedural vote on September 15. The legislation is intended to establish clearer rules for digital assets and define the responsibilities of federal regulators.
Key Takeaways
- Cynthia Lummis says failure to pass the CLARITY Act could push crypto market-structure legislation to 2030.
- The Senate is scheduled to hold a procedural vote on the bill on September 15.
- The measure needs 60 votes to advance in the Senate.
- The CLARITY Act seeks to clarify SEC and CFTC oversight of digital assets and strengthen customer protections.
- Lummis warns that another delay could cost the US jobs, investment and tax revenue.
Lummis Warns Congress Could Lose Years of Progress
Lummis said the current Congress represents an important opportunity to establish a federal framework for the cryptocurrency industry.
“If the Clarity Act doesn’t pass this Congress, the next real opportunity to bring market structure legislation back up is 2030,” she said.
The senator argued that waiting several more years could have economic consequences, particularly if businesses and investors continue operating under a fragmented regulatory system.
The warning comes as lawmakers approach the September 15 Senate vote. The procedural step requires 60 votes to move the legislation forward, meaning Republicans will need support from Democrats and independents.
Clarity Act Faces a Tight Legislative Schedule
Meanwhile, the bill has already cleared several major stages in Congress. The House passed its version in July 2025, while the Senate Banking Committee approved the Senate version by a 15-9 vote in May 2026.
However, the legislation still faces disagreements over issues including stablecoin rewards, decentralized finance and the limits of federal oversight.
The timing has also become a concern. The House has canceled some September sessions, leaving lawmakers with fewer opportunities to consider the legislation if it eventually returns from the Senate.
A successful Senate procedural vote would not make the CLARITY Act law. The bill would still have to clear the remaining legislative hurdles before reaching President Donald Trump.
What the Clarity Act Would Change
Notably, the proposed legislation would establish clearer boundaries between the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission when regulating digital assets.
It also contains provisions aimed at protecting customers when cryptocurrency companies fail.
Lummis has argued that digital assets held for customers should receive stronger legal protection if an exchange enters bankruptcy. Under the proposed framework, certain digital commodities would be treated as customer property rather than assets available to satisfy an exchange's creditors.
That could reduce uncertainty for both cryptocurrency businesses and their customers.
2030 Could Become the Next Major Window
That said, Lummis's warning is tied partly to the upcoming US elections, which could change the makeup of Congress and alter the priorities of lawmakers and committee leaders.
If the CLARITY Act fails now, supporters could have to rebuild bipartisan support and restart negotiations under a new Congress.
Other lawmakers and industry executives have also called for the legislation to move forward, but disagreements remain over several provisions.
For the crypto industry, the September 15 vote is therefore only one step in a much longer process. If Congress cannot complete the legislation this year, Lummis believes the next serious opportunity may not arrive until 2030.
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