SEC Ready with Crypto Rules if Congress Delays CLARITY Act, Atkins Says

Highlights:

• SEC Chair Paul Atkins says Congress passing the CLARITY Act would give crypto companies real, lasting certainty.
• If Congress stalls, Atkins says the SEC is ready to roll out its own crypto rules instead.
• Consumer Technology Association urged the Senate to vote, warning unclear rules could push blockchain investment and talent overseas.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins has called for Congress to provide lasting regulatory certainty for the crypto market through the CLARITY Act. Speaking on July 27, Atkins said the SEC is helping lawmakers understand the proposed legislation. “I’m optimistic that Congress will pass the CLARITY Act, and we’re doing all we can to help them, answer their questions, and provide technical assistance,” Atkins said.

However, he stressed that legislation would offer stronger and longer-lasting certainty than SEC rules alone. The CLARITY Act aims to establish a clearer federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. It would also help define the responsibilities of U.S. financial regulators overseeing the sector.

I am committed to supporting Congress in advancing the CLARITY Act, including providing technical assistance.

American leadership in the digital finance revolution means matching the energy of American innovators with a regulatory framework worthy of them. pic.twitter.com/7JiHDUbLqS

— Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) July 28, 2026

Atkins Says the SEC Is Prepared to Introduce Crypto Rules

Atkins said the SEC could develop rules covering similar issues if Congress does not pass the CLARITY Act. The agency could also introduce rules to implement the legislation if it becomes law. “We are ready, willing, and able to come out with rules that address the same issues in CLARITY and other aspects of the crypto market,” Atkins said.

His comments show that the SEC is preparing for different outcomes in Congress. However, Atkins made clear that agency rules would not provide the same level of stability as federal legislation. Regulatory rules can be changed, replaced, or challenged under future administrations. A law approved by Congress would give regulators clearer legal authority and provide crypto companies with a more predictable framework.

“We need the certainty of a statute that will help future-proof so that we have clear direction going forward,” Atkins added. He also said the SEC remains available to support lawmakers with technical assistance. Such assistance can help Congress understand how proposed rules may affect crypto exchanges, digital assets, investors, and other market participants.

The SEC chair did not suggest that regulatory action should replace legislation. Instead, he presented rulemaking as another option if Congress does not complete the bill. For crypto companies, clearer laws could reduce uncertainty over which federal regulator oversees certain digital assets and services. The proposed framework could also help businesses understand their responsibilities before offering products in the United States.

Consumer Technology Association Urges Senate to Advance the CLARITY Act

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) also called for Senate action on the CLARITY Act. In a July 28 letter, CTA President and CEO Kinsey Fabrizio urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Charles Schumer to bring the bill to the Senate floor.

The association said blockchain technology is supporting innovation in payments, digital identity, cybersecurity, supply chains, tokenization, and other commercial areas. However, CTA warned that the current fragmented regulatory framework discourages investment and may push talent, capital, and innovation outside the United States.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Consumer Technology Association supports the passage of the CLARITY ACT

"America should be competitive in blockchain and digital asset technologies. We respectfully urge you to prioritize Senate floor consideration of the CLARITY Act." 👏 pic.twitter.com/j42MSLGBwJ

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) July 28, 2026

According to the letter, the CLARITY Act would provide regulatory certainty, strengthen consumer protections, and establish clearer authority for federal regulators. CTA also noted that the House had already acted with bipartisan support. It argued that the Senate should now move forward with its consideration of the bill.

“America should be competitive in blockchain and digital asset technologies,” Fabrizio wrote. The letter said clearer rules would encourage responsible innovation and give companies greater confidence to develop blockchain products in the United States rather than moving their operations elsewhere.