Ripple Throws Full Support Behind Clarity Act

Garlinghouse Calls Senate Progress 'Incredible Leadership'

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) has thrown his full support behind the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, praising the Senate Banking Committee as it prepares to vote on the most significant piece of cryptocurrency legislation to reach this stage in US history.

Writing on X on May 13, Garlinghouse called the committee's work "incredible leadership" and said millions of Americans already participating in crypto markets deserve the same rules and protections afforded to other asset classes. He added that the United States must lead the global crypto industry, framing the bill as a defining moment for digital asset regulation.

Ripple has been among the most vocal corporate supporters of the bill. Speaking at Consensus 2026 in Miami earlier this month, Garlinghouse acknowledged the legislation is not perfect but argued that "clarity is better than chaos." He has warned that if the bill does not clear the Senate Banking Committee before the Memorial Day recess, the chances of passage drop sharply, with some senators suggesting the next viable legislative window could be 2030 or beyond.

What the CLARITY Act Would Do

The Senate Banking Committee scheduled its markup for May 14, where members debated amendments and voted on whether to advance the legislation to the full Senate floor. The bill passed the House of Representatives in July 2025 by a 294 to 134 bipartisan vote.

The legislation aims to resolve years of jurisdictional uncertainty between the SEC and CFTC over digital assets. The bill establishes clear rules separating securities from commodities, creates a tailored disclosure regime for digital asset projects, and includes protections for software developers and self-custody rights for consumers. The White House has set July 4 as its target for a presidential signature.

The bill faces hurdles. Democrats have filed over 100 amendments, with many focused on ethics provisions targeting the crypto holdings of public officials. Even if it clears committee, the bill would need to be merged with a parallel version from the Senate Agriculture Committee and then secure 60 votes on the Senate floor, meaning substantial Democratic support will be required. Prediction market Polymarket currently gives the bill roughly a 60% chance of passing this year.

Ripple's backing reflects a broader industry push. A coalition of more than 120 firms, including Coinbase, Kraken, and Andreessen Horowitz, has publicly backed the legislation.

Sources:
CoinDesk: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says Clarity better than chaos
Fortune: The crypto industry's Clarity Act hits a critical juncture
US Senate Banking Committee: The Facts on the CLARITY Act