Clarity Act Update: Republican Hawley Plans ‘No’ Vote on Crypto Bill, Brian Armstrong Responds

The Clarity Act faces fresh hurdles as Senator Josh Hawley plans to vote ‘No’ amid banks’ concerns, becoming the first Republican to oppose the crypto bill. The opposition drew criticism from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and the crypto community.

Senator Josh Hawley Opposes Clarity Act Without Changes

Josh Hawley, a Republican Senator from Missouri, announced he plans to vote against the Clarity Act. He cited concerns from community banks and agricultural groups in his state.

“They are very, very worried about the effect on community banks. They are blowing me up over it,” Hawley stated. “I’m going to vote with my state on this,” he told Politico.

The objection centers on stablecoin yield programs offered by crypto exchanges and platforms. Senator Hawley and community banking advocates argue that any yield or incentives on stablecoin holdings could pull deposits away from banks and credit unions.

The move adds challenges for the Republican Party as they push for a vote on the landmark crypto market structure bill before the Senate’s August recess.

Notably, Hawley has previously opposed related stablecoin legislation, including the GENIUS Act. However, Senator Cynthia Lummis earlier confirmed discussions with his office are ongoing to resolve concerns.

Pushback from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Crypto Community

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong pushed back and said, “You have to evaluate the proposal on the merits, and see if there is any evidence for such a claim.”

He also questioned if there might be “other incentives the bank lobby has to falsely make this statement.” This involves the profits of big banks and has nothing to do with community banks.

Brian Armstrong also asked Senator Josh Hawley to look at data rather than unsupported claims. Coinbase CEO is among the prominent supporters of the current version of the Clarity Act, having opposed prior drafts over stablecoin yield restrictions.

John Deaton, a Senate candidate and XRP advocate, said “The banking industry has many of these clowns in their pockets.” Meanwhile, the crypto community called the stance outrageous and sparked calls to contact his office.

The banking industry has many of these clowns in their pockets. Hey @HawleyMO, since when is capitalism about protecting incumbents from disruption? Here’s an idea: either an industry adapts with the innovation or it dies. I didn’t realize it was your job, as a U.S. Senator, to… https://t.co/SDCBBQIsAN

— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) August 5, 2026

Clarity Act Legislative Path and Tight Timeline

The U.S. Senate continues to deliberate on the next steps for the Clarity Act, with no cloture motion on crypto bill filed on Wednesday. The crypto community now awaits a cloture motion by Senate Majority Leader John Thune by Thursday.

The cloture filing will begin the process for a procedural vote before Senate members depart for the August recess. The bill requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, with 53 Republicans in the Senate. Opposition by Josh Hawley and potentially Rand Paul increases challenges for the crypto bill.

Meanwhile, the White House started negotiating ethics provisions of the Clarity Act with both parties. It hints at a key breakthrough before a Senate vote, pushing the final Senate floor vote to mid-September.