As the digital asset industry continues to evolve rapidly, the United States is preparing for a landmark moment in its crypto regulation journey. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives have announced a dedicated “Crypto Week” from July 14 to 18, where they will consider three major cryptocurrency bills: the CLARITY Act, the GENIUS Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.
This move signals a strong political push to establish a clearer and more favourable regulatory environment for digital assets, especially under the influence of former President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto agenda.
Crypto Week: What’s on the Table?
Republican leaders, including House Finance Committee Chair French Hill, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, are spearheading this initiative. According to Speaker Johnson, the goal is to advance legislation aligned with President Trump’s digital asset policies.
Source: Financial Services GOP
The three bills expected to be discussed include:
The CLARITY Act – focused on defining crypto market structure.
The GENIUS Act – a stablecoin regulation framework.
The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act – a bill banning central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
Each bill has its own goals but together they aim to form a robust foundation for the United States’ crypto regulatory landscape.
GENIUS vs STABLE: Stablecoin Regulation Battle
Stablecoins have long been at the centre of regulatory debate. Two competing bills have emerged: the GENIUS Act (from the Senate) and the STABLE Act (from the House).
Although the House initially backed the STABLE Act, attention has now shifted to the GENIUS Act due to its bipartisan support in the Senate. This means the GENIUS Act could be passed quicker and potentially signed into law by Trump before Congress breaks in August.
Key Differences:
Oversight:
GENIUS Act allows state-level supervision of stablecoin issuers.
STABLE Act prefers strict federal oversight.
Compliance Requirements:
GENIUS is seen as friendlier to crypto firms due to lighter federal requirements.
Still, legal experts suggest the House might amend parts of the GENIUS Act before a final vote, possibly sending it back to the Senate. If that happens, both chambers would need to reconcile their differences, either through a joint committee or negotiation, before it reaches the President’s desk.
CLARITY Act: Defining Crypto’s Playing Field
The CLARITY Act aims to set the groundwork for how the U.S. government handles cryptocurrency markets.
Robert “Bo” Hines, a top White House crypto policy adviser, expects the CLARITY Act to quickly pass the House. Source: Bo Hines
This bill would:
Clarify jurisdiction between the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission).
Require crypto exchanges to register with the CFTC.
Introduce clear guidelines for:
Customer fund protection,
Transparency and disclosures,
Recordkeeping.
It’s a major step in removing the regulatory uncertainty that has long plagued crypto companies operating in the U.S. However, Democrats have opposed the bill, partly due to Trump’s deepening involvement in the crypto space, which includes launching tokens and exchanges linked to his brand.
If passed by the House, the CLARITY Act would still need to clear the Senate before Trump can sign it.
Anti-CBDC Bill: Blocking the Digital Dollar
The third and most controversial bill up for discussion is the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. This legislation would ban the U.S. Federal Reserve from creating or testing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
The bill proposes:
Preventing the Fed from launching any form of digital currency.
Stopping it from offering direct financial services to individuals (unlike commercial banks).
Supporters, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, argue that a CBDC could lead to government overreach and surveillance, especially of private financial transactions. Critics, however, say this move could stall innovation and hurt America’s position in the global digital currency race.
The bill had passed the House in May 2024 but expired with the end of the last Congress. It has now been revived and reintroduced, with both House and Senate versions being considered simultaneously to speed up the process.
What This Means for Crypto in the U.S.
“Crypto Week” represents a defining moment for crypto regulation in the U.S. If the three bills pass during this time, they will set a precedent for how digital assets are treated, who can issue them, and what limits the government should have in developing its own digital currencies.
More importantly, this effort aligns with Trump’s pro-crypto campaign promises, backed heavily by the digital asset industry. Whether or not these bills pass in their current forms, they clearly signal that cryptocurrency is now a key political issue in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.
