TLDR
- Brad Garlinghouse said the window for the Clarity Act is open after meetings in Washington.
- He met several senators and discussed progress on digital asset legislation.
- Senator Bill Hagerty said the bill could reach the Senate floor before the end of April.
- The Senate Banking Committee has not yet scheduled a markup session for the bill.
- Ron Hammond estimated a 30% chance that the Clarity Act will pass in 2026.
Brad Garlinghouse marked 11 years at Ripple with meetings in Washington and a public call for action on crypto legislation. He said the Clarity Act has a clear path if lawmakers move quickly. He urged the industry to act while the Senate window remains open.
Clarity Act Gains Attention in Senate Talks
Garlinghouse met Senators Bill Hagerty, Bernie Moreno, Tim Scott, and John Boozman during his visit. He also met Patrick Witt and spoke at the Semafor World Economic Summit. He said the meetings left him encouraged about progress on digital asset rules.
Yesterday, I celebrated 11 years at Ripple. Back then, I couldn’t have predicted that we’d still be fighting for regulatory clarity.
The fight has been worth it. After a day in DC having great conversations with @SenatorHagerty, @berniemoreno, @SenatorTimScott, @JohnBoozman and… https://t.co/YGM7KKoMT0 pic.twitter.com/zAmBr6hIyX
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) April 14, 2026
He wrote, “After a day in DC having great conversations, I know we are closer than ever.” He added, “The fight has been worth it,” reflecting on Ripple’s long regulatory battle. He joined Ripple in 2014 and said he did not expect the company to still seek clarity.
Lawmakers continue to debate the Clarity Act in the Senate Banking Committee. The bill seeks to define when a digital asset qualifies as a security or commodity. That distinction has shaped enforcement actions across the crypto sector for years.
Senator Hagerty has championed the bill and outlined its potential timeline. He said the committee could advance the measure during the current work period. He also said the full Senate could consider it before the end of April.
However, the Senate Banking Committee has not scheduled a markup session for next week. That absence suggests the timeline remains uncertain. Observers now point to the week of April 27 as the next possible window.
Industry Voices Weigh in on Legislative Timeline
Ron Hammond, Head of Policy at Wintermute, assessed the bill’s prospects. He estimated a 30% chance of passage in 2026. He cited political friction and stalled talks as key hurdles.
Hammond said shifting timelines have slowed progress in recent weeks. He noted that negotiations have not produced firm agreements. He added that industry support alone cannot guarantee Senate approval.
Attorney John Deaton also addressed the timing of the vote. He warned that delay could narrow the bill’s path forward. He said, if the measure slips into summer, the opportunity could close.
Senators often shift focus as midterm campaigns approach. Legislative calendars tighten as election season advances. Bills without broad urgency often lose floor time.
Garlinghouse framed the moment as decisive for lawmakers. He said, “The window for the Clarity Act is open and now is the moment to act.” He delivered that message after his Washington meetings and public remarks.
The Senate Banking Committee has not confirmed the markup schedule. Lawmakers continue discussions behind closed doors. The next expected review period begins the week of April 27.
