CLARITY Act Enters Critical Phase as Senate Committee Sets January 27 Markup

The US CLARITY Act is set to reach a key milestone as the Senate Committee has scheduled its markup hearing on January 27, 2026. Despite recent delays and uncertainty surrounding the market structure bill, the latest decision has sparked widespread optimism. The crypto bill is finally preparing for its final review, as lawmakers move to address the urgent need for clear crypto regulations in the country.

CLARITY Act: Senate Schedules Key Markup

In an official X post earlier today, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry has announced the scheduled date of the CLARTY Act markup. As per the post, the hearing is expected to take place on January 27, 2026.

Committee Chairman John Boozman stated,

“This schedule ensures transparency and allows for thorough review as the committee moves forward with legislation to provide clarity and certainty for crypto markets…I’m grateful to Senator Booker, who continues to be a great partner, as well as our staff for their hard work and dedication to create new rules to protect consumers while also supporting American innovation.”

Notably, the decision comes closely following the Senate’s release of the updated version of the CLARITY Act. As CoinGape reported, Tim Scott unveiled the amended bill, adding that it incorporates months of negotiations with Democratic lawmakers. The legislative text is expected to be released on January 21, ahead of the markup.

Initially, the CLARITY Act markup was scheduled for January 15, 2026. But the Senate later delayed the meeting, citing the need for additional time for discussion. Senator Boozman noted,

“We have made meaningful progress and had constructive discussions as we work toward this goal. To finalize the remaining details and ensure the broad support this legislation requires, additional time is needed before moving to markup. The committee will mark up this legislation during the last week of January.”

What Comes After Senate Markup?

Notably, the much-anticipated CLARITY Act is entering its crucial stage with the January 27 hearing. Once the markup is completed, the Senate Committee will vote on whether to advance the market structure bill to the full Senate. If approved, the crypto bill will move to its next phase for the final vote, either in its amended form or as the original draft.

However, the Senate approval would mark only a part of the bill’s passage. Even after the Senate approves the crypto bill, it still needs to get approval from the House of Representatives. The next step is to forward it to President Donald Trump, where it is poised to be signed into law. During this journey, the CLARITY Act is expected to see further delay as differences between the House and Senate versions may require possible negotiations.

While most people think the crypto bill will get approved in early 2026, some experts believe there will be a delay. For instance, expert TD Cowen has cautioned that the legislation might get delayed until 2027, due to the 2026 elections. In Cowen’s opinion, Senate Democrats might not be in favor of the bill as the November 2026 elections come closer. Thus, there’s still uncertainty surrounding the potential passage of the CLARITY Act and its timing.