US sheriffs' group drops opposition to crypto Clarity Act

The National Sheriffs' Association reversed its stance on the crypto Clarity Act this week, after previously cautioning that the bill could assist criminals.

In a Thursday letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the association said it was moving to a neutral position because of the issue's complexity.

Several lawmakers had hoped to hold a vote on the Clarity Act in August. Following a delay, the vote is now set to take place this month. The legislation would create a framework to classify digital assets as securities, commodities, or payment stablecoins—a goal the crypto industry has long sought.

“Given the complexity of the legislation and the number of important details that remain under consideration, the NSA is changing its position on the Clarity Act to neutral,” wrote NSA President Sheriff Troy Wellman and Executive Director Justin Smith in the letter.

“We believe the most appropriate course is to step back and allow the legislative process to proceed to establish a…much needed regulatory framework.”

“At this time, we believe the most appropriate course is to step back and allow the legislative process to proceed to establish a clear, effective, and much needed regulatory framework.”

Earlier, the NSA had cautioned that the bill might create regulatory and anti-money laundering gaps by exempting some crypto developers and infrastructure providers from money transmitter rules.

Although the Clarity Act passed the House of Representatives last year with strong bipartisan support, it has been deadlocked for most of 2026. The banking lobby has raised concerns about stablecoin yields, and some lawmakers have said ethical improvements are needed.

A revised version of the Clarity Act was introduced in July that addressed some of these concerns by banning government officials and their families from issuing or promoting crypto.

On Friday, pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis wrote that the “bipartisan bill” gives “law enforcement real tools to fight the illicit finance crimes hurting hard working Americans.”

Major financial institutions, lawmakers, and companies have expressed support for the latest draft of the bill, but some Republicans have accused Democratic lawmakers of deliberately playing politics and holding the bill back.