DeFi Lobby Intensifies Ahead of Senate CLARITY Act Hearing
Blockchain advocacy groups are mounting last-minute opposition to proposed amendments to the CLARITY Act as the Senate Banking Committee prepares for a crucial markup session. The DeFi Education Fund has identified eight amendments it claims WOULD 'seriously harm DeFi technology' and make market structure legislation more burdensome for software developers.
Key concerns center on amendments proposed by Senators Reed, Kim, Cortez Masto, and Warren that would expand Treasury's authority to sanction smart contracts, narrow protections for developers, and impose stricter anti-money laundering requirements on blockchain platforms. Amendment 42 in particular has drawn fire for granting Treasury powers to blacklist protocols deemed to facilitate illicit activity.
The legislative battle comes as the Senate races to pass the CLARITY Act before 2026 midterm elections, with tomorrow's markup session expected to address contentious issues including stablecoin regulation and developer liability protections.