US House Passes Three Key Cryptocurrency Bills Ahead of August Recess
July 17, 2025 — Turner Wright
In a significant move prior to taking an August recess, the United States House of Representatives approved three important bills aimed at regulating the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market. The votes took place on July 17, with the House passing legislation that addresses key areas in digital assets, including market structure, stablecoin regulation, and restrictions on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
Overview of the Legislation Passed
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CLARITY Act (Digital Asset Market Structure Clarification Act)
Passed with a vote of 294 to 134, this bill aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency market’s structure. The goal is to provide legal clarity and robust governance over digital asset markets, promoting greater transparency and investor protection. -
GENIUS Act (Stablecoin Regulation Act)
Approved by a margin of 308 to 122, the GENIUS Act sets forth comprehensive regulations for stablecoins, which have become a crucial component of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. It seeks to ensure that stablecoins operate under strict oversight to enhance financial stability. -
Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act
Narrowly passed with a vote of 219 to 210, this legislation is designed to prevent the potential development of a surveillance state under the guise of Central Bank Digital Currency implementation. It represents a bipartisan effort to protect privacy and individual financial freedoms against intrusive governmental oversight via digital currency platforms.
Bipartisan Support and Republican “Crypto Week”
The passage of these bills experienced notable bipartisan support. For example, approximately 80 Democratic lawmakers voted in favor of the CLARITY Act, and over 100 Democrats supported the GENIUS Act. The more contentious Anti-CBDC bill received comparatively fewer Democratic votes but still passed amid intense debate.
The Republican Party declared the week leading up to the recess as “Crypto Week” and actively encouraged all members to support the trio of bills. This push aligns with former President Donald Trump’s expressed commitment to rapidly advancing cryptocurrency-related policies. However, on Wednesday, debate over the package stalled for several hours as some Republican members demanded amendments explicitly banning CBDC development.
Industry Response
The cryptocurrency industry welcomed the House’s decisions, viewing the bill approvals as a significant victory. Summer Mersinger, former commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and current CEO of the Blockchain Association, commented on the Anti-CBDC bill’s passage: “This vote signals strong support for privacy, market competition, and the preservation of individual financial liberties.”
Opposition and Concerns
Despite the overall positive reception within the crypto community, opposition remains. Representative Maxine Waters from California, who had earlier called for Democratic members to vote against all three bills, criticized the Republican-led initiative. She labeled the legislation under the banner of “anti-crypto corruption week” and warned of potential conflicts of interest linked to the Trump administration.
During Thursday’s debate, Waters expressed concerns that these bills might create massive loopholes in federal financial laws under the guise of fostering innovation. She cautioned, “Such legislation risks precipitating a financial crisis on the scale of 2008, potentially resulting in the loss of trillions of dollars in assets.”
Next Steps for the Legislation
Following passage in the House, the GENIUS Act—which already passed the Senate in June—is now awaiting possible amendments before it can be signed into law. President Trump has indicated he may sign this bill by Friday if no changes are made.
Meanwhile, the CLARITY Act and Anti-CBDC bills will undergo further scrutiny and potential modifications in the Senate. Upon completion of Senate action, these bills will return to the House or move to the President for final approval.
Context
This legislative activity reflects the growing recognition of cryptocurrencies’ impact within the broader financial system. With the total market capitalization of digital assets approaching $4 trillion, regulators across the world are keen to balance innovation with consumer protection and national security concerns.
For those interested in cryptocurrency market updates and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to our coverage on Cointelegraph.