Momentum builds for U.S. crypto rules as Coinbase backs the Clarity Act and pressure mounts on Congress.
Brian Armstrong has backed the Clarity Act after earlier concerns, aligning with Scott Bessent, who is urging Congress to act without delay. That shift marks a clear departure from months of uncertainty and inconsistent signals. With support now building across both industry and government, attention turns to whether lawmakers can move quickly enough to establish firm rules for the digital asset market.
Coinbase Adjusts Position as Clarity Act Draws Bipartisan Backing
Support for the Clarity Act gained traction after comments from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. He publicly backed the proposal, signaling a departure from the company’s earlier hesitation. Previous drafts raised issues tied to stablecoin provisions, yet recent revisions appear to have addressed key concerns.
At the same time, momentum has been reinforced from within the government. Scott Bessent called on lawmakers to move quickly, arguing that digital assets already play a major role in financial activity. Armstrong echoed that position, thanking policymakers for bipartisan work and calling the bill “strong.”
We agree. Thank you @SecScottBessent for saying it. It's time to pass the Clarity Act.
Grateful for all the bipartisan work among Senators and staff over the past several months to make this a strong bill. https://t.co/jHoZ1bfLVZ pic.twitter.com/YBKebDkq8B
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) April 10, 2026
Bessent’s stance was published in the Wall Street Journal and focused on the market’s scale and growing influence. He noted that digital assets are held by millions of Americans, while institutions continue to expand their involvement. As adoption rises, gaps in regulation have become more visible.
According to Bessent, regulatory uncertainty has slowed domestic growth. Conflicting approaches from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission created confusion for developers and investors. In many cases, enforcement actions replaced clear guidance, leaving firms unsure of compliance standards.
That lack of clarity pushed innovation offshore. Jurisdictions such as Abu Dhabi and Singapore attracted crypto businesses by offering defined registration pathways and operating rules. For many companies, the regulatory risk in the U.S. outweighed its advantages.
U.S. Moves Toward Full Crypto Oversight as Clarity Act Gains Backing
Under President Donald Trump, the Genius Act introduced a framework for dollar-backed stablecoins. Lawmakers viewed it as a move to anchor the U.S. dollar within blockchain-based financial systems.
Still, gaps remain outside the stablecoin segment. The Clarity Act aims to address those gaps by defining when digital assets qualify as securities and by assigning regulatory roles more precisely. It also outlines registration paths for trading platforms and introduces disclosure and custody standards.
Bessent framed the bill as critical for economic and national security. Bringing crypto activity under clear rules could strengthen oversight and reduce reliance on offshore platforms. It could also support domestic development of blockchain infrastructure and financial tools tied to tokenized assets.
Armstrong’s endorsement adds weight from the private sector. With both industry and government voices converging, the Clarity Act now stands as a central piece in shaping the next phase of U.S. crypto policy.
