Senator Tillis Backs CLARITY Act Markup After Stablecoin Talks

• Eleanor Terrett reported that Senator Thom Tillis is ready to push the CLARITY Act forward to markup.
• Tillis said he generally supports Senator Cynthia Lummis’ approach to software developer concerns.
• Stablecoin yield text could be released four to five days before markup after stakeholders review it.

Eleanor Terrett reported on X that Senator Thom Tillis is ready to push the CLARITY Act toward a markup after lawmakers return from recess. Tillis said he would ask the chair to schedule the committee step, adding that negotiators had made progress and that the bill should move before the committee.

The update adds a fresh Senate signal for a crypto market structure bill that has faced months of delays. However, stablecoin yield language, ethics demands, and software developer protections remain central to the debate as the White House continues to press for passage. 

Tillis Signals Markup Push

According to Terrett, Tillis made the remarks in a reporter gaggle on Capitol Hill after the Warsh vote. He said, “I’m going to ask the chair to move forward with scheduling a markup when we get back… I think we’ve made a lot of progress… and it’s time to get it before the committee to move it forward.”

The statement gives the CLARITY Act a fresh timing signal in the Senate Banking Committee. Notably, Tillis framed the bill as ready for the next step, while still pointing to remaining work on language tied to stablecoin yield and developer rules.

Tillis also said most bank concerns about stablecoin yield had been heard and addressed. Nevertheless, he added that others were welcome to “come and work in good faith,” leaving room for further input before the committee process begins.

Stablecoin Text Still Pending

Terrett reported that Tillis hopes to release legislative text on stablecoin yield four to five days before a markup. Stakeholders would receive a preview first, giving banks, crypto firms, and lawmakers time to review the wording before it becomes public.

Stablecoin yield has remained one of the central points in the bill’s Senate negotiations. Banks have raised concerns about yield-bearing stablecoins, while crypto supporters have pushed for rules that do not block stablecoin market activity.

Meanwhile, the bill has also drawn attention to software developer protections. Terrett said Tillis raised a new flag this week on how law enforcement views the possible effect on enforcement under the 1960 criminal statute.

On that issue, Tillis pointed to Senator Cynthia Lummis’ approach. According to Terrett, he said he is “generally in support” of where the bill stands, signaling alignment with the current developer-related language.

Senate Timing Draws Scrutiny

The CLARITY Act aims to create a federal framework for the crypto market structure. It would help define how digital assets are treated under U.S. law, including whether certain assets fall under securities or commodities oversight.

Additionally, the bill remains tied to broader political talks. Previous reporting showed Tillis had pressed for ethics language before the bill leaves the Senate, citing concerns around public officials and crypto activity.

A reply to Terrett’s post from Anthony Mills showed continued public skepticism over timing. Mills said Tillis and other lawmakers had delayed the process before, adding that any markup or passage could come late in the legislative window.

The latest update still marks a procedural opening for the bill. However, the next step depends on the chair scheduling a markup, the release of stablecoin yield text, and whether lawmakers resolve remaining concerns before the committee vote.

Related: CLARITY Act Faces GOP Split as Tillis Demands Ethics Clause