- A letter backed by 160 former security officials supports the CLARITY Act, linking crypto regulation to national security enforcement.
- The bill expands AML, sanctions, and interagency coordination across DOJ, FBI, DEA, and Treasury for digital asset oversight.
- Advocacy groups are meeting Senate offices and hosting a town hall to push consumer protection and regulatory clarity.
On Tuesday, the Blockchain Association delivered a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. It carried signatures from 160 former national security, intelligence, and law enforcement professionals supporting the CLARITY Act. According to the Blockchain Association, the initiative frames digital asset regulation as a national security issue tied to enforcement priorities.
National Security Framing For Digital Assets
The letter argues that digital asset market structure directly impacts law enforcement operations. According to the Blockchain Association, clearer rules bring crypto activity under U.S. oversight. It also improves consumer protection and supports investigations targeting illicit activity.
Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, stated that regulatory clarity strengthens enforcement tools. He also linked it to national security protections and consumer safeguards. The message aligns with the letter’s emphasis on structured oversight for digital assets.
Notably, signatories stated that responsible industry participation depends on strong compliance standards. They also supported clearer frameworks for preventing illicit financial activity across digital markets.
Enforcement Tools And Compliance Measures
The CLARITY Act includes provisions targeting illicit finance risks. According to the Blockchain Association, the bill expands Bank Secrecy Act requirements and sanctions obligations. It also enables Treasury-led information sharing with DOJ, FBI, DEA, and private sector partners.
Additionally, the framework introduces an interagency working group focused on digital asset illicit finance. The bill also strengthens oversight for digital asset kiosks. These include transaction monitoring, reporting obligations, and transaction limits.
Moreover, the letter highlights protections for vulnerable users, including seniors. It references anti-fraud requirements and dedicated law enforcement contact points for faster response to scams.
Washington Outreach And Senate Engagement
The Blockchain Association plans direct engagement with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. According to the group, signatories and members will participate in meetings across 18 Senate offices. This engagement is scheduled as part of a legislative push supporting the CLARITY Act.
A virtual town hall is also planned for Thursday. It will include Senator Cynthia Lummis, Whip Tom Emmer, Patrick Witt, and Blockchain Association members. The session will focus on law enforcement and national security implications of the bill.
The message delivered to the Senate centers on four points: consumer protection, law enforcement support, U.S. innovation retention, and advancement of the CLARITY Act.
