160 former security officials back Clarity Act, urge vote

On Tuesday the Blockchain Association sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer signed by 160 former national security and law enforcement officials urging passage of the Clarity Act. The bill cleared the Senate Banking Committee last month and now awaits a vote by the full Senate.

The letter argues the legislation would expand law enforcement and financial-crime prevention across the digital asset sector by bringing more activity under U.S. oversight. It highlights expanded Bank Secrecy Act obligations and new sanctions requirements as key provisions.

The group notes the bill would create Treasury-led information sharing between law enforcement agencies and private companies and would establish a permanent interagency working group focused on crypto-related illicit finance.

The letter added, “These are not deregulatory measures. They are enhanced enforcement tools designed to improve visibility, coordination, compliance, and accountability across digital asset markets.”

The Blockchain Association posted on X that clear rules would strengthen consumer protection and help investigators trace illicit activity. The association is organizing a Washington fly-in to meet staff in 18 Senate offices and will host a virtual town hall on Thursday to discuss the bill's law enforcement and national security implications.

Scheduled participants for the town hall include Senator Cynthia Lummis, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Patrick Witt, the White House executive director of the President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets.

Senators continue to debate whether to add ethics restrictions that would limit elected officials' participation in crypto ventures. Public attention to President Donald Trump's crypto business interests has influenced that discussion for some lawmakers.

Supporters say the bill's expanded reporting and sanctions measures would give investigators more tools to trace illicit transactions and bring activity into regulated channels. Opponents have called for clearer guardrails to prevent regulatory overreach and to protect innovation in digital assets.

The fly-in and town hall are planned to press the case with lawmakers and the public ahead of the Senate floor vote, where provisions and amendments remain subject to negotiation.