SEC Chair Atkins Says CLARITY Act Likely to Pass and Be Signed by

The SEC’s chair, Paul Atkins, told reporters he is confident the CLARITY Act will pass Congress and be signed into law by President Trump [3]. Industry figures such as Coinbase policy chief Faryar Shirzad and former CFTC commissioner Chris Perkins have voiced both optimism and caution about the bill’s potential to lock in regulatory clarity for digital assets [1].

Key takeaways

• SEC Chair Paul Atkins publicly stated the CLARITY Act is expected to clear Congress [3].
• The bill, which passed the House in July 2025, is now pending in the Senate [3].
• President Trump is anticipated to sign the legislation if it reaches his desk [3].
• Crypto industry leaders say the act would make future roll‑backs of regulation more difficult [1].
• Senators including Thom Tillis, Angela Alsobrooks, Bernie Moreno and Cynthia Lummis have signaled urgency for the bill’s passage [1].

Legislative Progress and Industry Reaction

The CLARITY Act, aimed at establishing a comprehensive federal framework for digital commodities and securities, cleared the House in July 2025 and is currently under Senate consideration [3]. SEC Chair Atkins’ remarks suggest the administration believes the bill aligns with broader efforts to resolve jurisdictional disputes between the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission [3].

Within the crypto sector, officials have expressed mixed but generally hopeful views. Coinbase’s chief policy officer Faryar Shirzad posted on X that “it’s time to get CLARITY done,” echoing sentiments from Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks, who released the final text of the bill to address the stablecoin yield dispute [1]. Senator Bernie Moreno expects the act to be finalized by the end of May, while Senator Cynthia Lummis warned that “it’s now or never” [1].

Former CFTC commissioner Chris Perkins noted that even if the act does not pass, the industry’s long‑term outlook remains stable, but he emphasized that enactment would “enshrine policy for a very long time” and make future roll‑backs “harder” [1].

Why it matters

If enacted, the CLARITY Act would create the first comprehensive federal regulatory regime for digital assets, potentially reducing legal uncertainty that has hampered investment and innovation in the sector. The bill’s passage could also signal a shift toward coordinated oversight between the SEC and CFTC, addressing the current jurisdictional split that has complicated compliance for crypto firms. However, the ultimate impact will depend on the Senate’s vote and any amendments that may arise during deliberations. Industry leaders remain watchful, noting that while the act could lock in favorable rules, it also limits flexibility for future policy adjustments [1][3].