Crypto Bills Passed Today: Clarity Act, Genius Act, and CBDC Ban Explained
2025-07-17
This week in Washington, D.C. was supposed to be a historic win for the crypto world. Lawmakers branded it “Crypto Week” and planned to debate and pass three major bills that could shape the future of digital assets in the United States.
But instead, chaos took center stage. What began as a scheduled vote quickly turned into a political mess, dragging on for two full days, ending with late-night deals, flipped votes, and a record-breaking vote delay.
So what happened with the GENIUS Act, the CLARITY Act, and the CBDC ban? Are these crypto bills finally moving forward, or are we stuck in limbo again? Let’s break it all down.
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Key Takeaways
1. Three bills were at stake: the CLARITY Act, the GENIUS Act, and a bill banning central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
2. House Republicans were divided: internal disagreements delayed votes for two days, setting a record for the longest open vote.
3. Trump helped break the gridlock: after an Oval Office meeting and public pressure, lawmakers flipped their votes, moving the bills forward.
What Are the Three Crypto Bills and Why Do They Matter?
The spotlight this week was on three major pieces of crypto legislation. Each one tackles a different part of the digital finance ecosystem.
Together, they’re designed to bring structure, oversight, and clear rules to a space that’s long operated in a regulatory gray zone.
1. The GENIUS Act
This Senate-passed bill focuses on stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to real-world assets like the US dollar.
The GENIUS Act aims to regulate stablecoin issuers, enforce financial transparency, and prevent abuse. One notable detail: it bans members of Congress (but not the president or their family) from profiting off stablecoins.
The irony here? Former President Trump and his family hold a stake in World Liberty Financial, a company that just launched its own stablecoin, USD1.
2. The CLARITY Act
This is a broader bill that aims to define the structure of crypto markets. It clarifies the roles of the SEC and CFTC, outlining who regulates what.
It’s crucial for exchanges, startups, and investors because it brings long-needed legal guidance to crypto assets.
3. The CBDC Ban
This bill would block the Federal Reserve from issuing a US central bank digital currency. Conservatives argue that a CBDC could threaten personal privacy and give the government too much control over individuals’ financial transactions.
Each bill serves a unique function, but many Republicans wanted them passed as a package deal, while others, including Trump, pushed for separate votes. That’s where things got complicated.
Read Also: Crypto Bills Stalled: GENIUS Act Vote Fails, What’s Next?
Why the Bills Stalled: GOP Infighting and Legislative Tactics
Everything seemed ready to go, until it wasn’t. On Tuesday, 13 conservative House Republicans shocked the chamber by voting against a procedural step needed to begin debate on the crypto bills. This sudden rebellion stopped “Crypto Week” in its tracks.
What went wrong?
Package Disagreements: Some Republicans insisted all three bills be bundled together, fearing the Senate would stall once they received them. Others warned that combining the bills would create delays and force everything back through the Senate.
Last-Minute Changes: GOP leaders had tried to merge the CBDC ban into the CLARITY Act to satisfy conservative demands, but that move upset lawmakers who originally wrote the bills. Some committee members felt left out of the changes and withdrew support.
Leadership Pressure: Speaker Mike Johnson, with a razor-thin majority, couldn’t afford to lose even a few votes. Meanwhile, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Whip Tom Emmer scrambled behind the scenes to repair the damage.
Despite the drama, Republicans remained determined to push the legislation. Scalise said, “We’re back on track,” but admitted that the final shape of the bills was still being negotiated.
Read Also: Why Did the US House Reject the Crypto Regulation Bill?
How Trump’s Involvement Turned Things Around
With the crypto industry watching closely, Trump jumped into action. He met with 12 conservative Republicans in the Oval Office late Tuesday night and emerged with a claim that they had all agreed to support the crypto bills.
He posted the update on Truth Social, saying the group was ready to move forward first thing Wednesday.
That public pressure seemed to work. By Wednesday night, several holdouts flipped their votes, allowing the House to finally approve the rules for debate.
But it didn’t come easy, the vote dragged on for over ten hours, breaking records for the longest open vote in modern House history.
Still, this wasn’t a total win. Moderate Republicans raised new concerns over the rushed changes, especially merging bills without proper committee review.
Some Democrats were also frustrated, particularly over the inclusion of the CBDC ban, which many see as unnecessary and politically motivated.
But by Wednesday night, the path was open for full votes on the crypto bills.
Read Also: Why Is Crypto Down Today? Congress Crypto Bills Might Hold the Answer
Conclusion: What This Means for the Future of Crypto Regulation
After all the back-and-forth, the House finally got things moving again. The GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and CBDC ban are now back on the legislative track, with full votes expected soon. But this chaotic process showed just how divided Congress remains on how to handle crypto.
For the crypto industry, this was supposed to be a defining week. Instead, it became a case study in political dysfunction, even with strong backing from Trump and millions in campaign donations from crypto advocates.
Still, if passed, these bills could bring much-needed regulation to the digital asset space. And if you want to stay ahead of the crypto curve, platforms like Bitrue make trading easier, safer, and more efficient.
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FAQ
Did the crypto bill pass today?
Not yet, but the House voted late Wednesday to begin debate. Full votes on the bills are expected soon.
What are the three crypto bills in Congress?
They include the GENIUS Act (stablecoin regulation), the CLARITY Act (market structure), and a bill banning the Federal Reserve from creating a CBDC.
Why did the crypto vote take so long?
House Republicans were split on how to pass the bills. The debate dragged on for over 10 hours, setting a record for vote length.
What is the GENIUS Act?
It’s a bill focused on regulating stablecoins and increasing financial transparency. It passed the Senate and awaits final approval.
What does the CBDC ban mean for Americans?
If passed, the bill would stop the U.S. government from launching a central bank digital currency, which some fear could threaten privacy.
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