Bipartisan Group Pushes Crypto Bill Despite Obstacles

Lawmakers face industry pressure and regulatory challenges in drafting new digital asset legislation

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A bipartisan group of senators is working to advance a crypto market structure bill, but the negotiations face mounting obstacles. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has cautioned that any clarity created solely through SEC action could be reversed by a future administration, stressing the need for durable, "future-proof" crypto regulation that requires legislation passed by Congress. The proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act continues to face sticking points, with disputes between crypto firms and banks over stablecoin rewards and concerns from some Democrats about regulatory staffing levels and potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The outcome of these bipartisan negotiations will have significant implications for the future of the crypto industry in the United States. Lawmakers are seeking to strike a balance between providing regulatory clarity and addressing concerns around illicit finance and consumer protection, all while navigating industry pressure and the limitations of agency-led rulemaking.

The details

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VI), a leading Democratic negotiator, has emphasized the need to prevent bad actors from exploiting decentralized finance (DeFi) while avoiding overly broad enforcement loopholes. A version of the Clarity Act has passed the House and cleared the Senate Agriculture Committee, but final Senate approval will require bipartisan support. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) has expressed optimism about reaching a deal, but industry leaders such as Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) CEO Brian Armstrong have warned they could withdraw support if the final framework proves unfavorable.

  • The Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on the proposed crypto legislation on February 13, 2026.

The players

Sen. Mark Warner

A Democratic senator from Virginia who is a leading negotiator on the crypto legislation.

Paul Atkins

The chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who has cautioned that any clarity created solely through SEC action could be reversed by a future administration.

Tim Scott

The Republican senator from South Carolina who is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and has expressed optimism about reaching a deal on the crypto legislation.

Brian Armstrong

The CEO of Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), who has warned that the crypto industry could withdraw support if the final legislative framework proves unfavorable.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.