The U.S. Senate’s cryptocurrency regulation bill known as the Clarity Act has returned to a voting phase ahead of a recess.

On Aug. 4, blockchain outlet Bitcoin Magazine reported that Republicans have continued to criticise Democrats, saying they are slowing the bill’s passage.

Senators must move to a vote on the bill within the next two days before the Senate recess. A bipartisan draft is currently circulating among lawmakers, but the outlook for final passage remains unclear after some Democratic senators raised objections over the bill’s wording.

Republican Senator Bill Hagerty (빌 해거티) said in a Fox News interview that the United States does not need to fall behind other countries in digital asset regulation. He added, "The question now is whether we can pass this bill with Democrats," and said, "We will have to see whether Democrats block it by putting the midterm elections first."

Hagerty cited the recently passed Genius Act and stressed the need for follow-up legislation. He said, "Everything around the world is moving digitally," adding that there has been major progress toward maintaining the dominance of the digital dollar but that the Clarity Act is needed as follow-up legislation covering the broader market. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune also said he expects the first vote to take place at least this week.

The bill passed the House last year with bipartisan support, and major financial institutions, companies and lawmakers have backed it. Some Democratic lawmakers, however, issued a statement saying the bill’s language needs further work.

Republicans, meanwhile, argue that Democrats are delaying it for political reasons even though the bill has already been revised several times. Senator Cynthia Lummis, known for being pro-cryptocurrency, also criticised Democrats, saying they are intentionally delaying the bill.

Former Republican Senator Pat Toomey also stressed the need to act this week. He said in a Fox Business interview, "The Senate must pass the Clarity Act this week," adding, "Blockchain technology has the power to change other areas including finance, but legal clarity is needed for that."

The Clarity Act remained deadlocked throughout 2026. In the background, concerns raised by banking-sector lobbying over stablecoin interest income had some impact. In July, a revised bill reflecting ethics issues was introduced again. The revision included a ban on government officials and their families issuing or promoting cryptocurrencies.

If passed, the bill would establish a regulatory framework applying across the U.S. cryptocurrency market. That leaves key questions over whether a Senate vote will actually happen this week and how far Democrats’ demands for wording changes will be reflected.

JUST IN: Senator Bill Hagerty tells Fox Business "We're going to have to pass the Clarity Act." "There's no way that we can allow the U.S. to fall behind in the digital assets arena." pic.twitter.com/mYwfu0JEVU