Senate Clears Clarity Act with 15-9 Vote, Explicitly Blocking Fed Retail CBDC

According to the Senate Banking Committee vote on May 30, the Digital Asset Clarity Act cleared the committee 15-9, explicitly prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The provision removes the Fed as a potential competitor to private stablecoin issuers like Circle's USDC and Tether's USDT, giving them a structural advantage under law.

The bill previously passed the House in July 2025 and must now consolidate both chamber versions before a floor vote expected by August. The Senate requires 60 votes for passage, meaning Republicans must secure at least seven Democratic or independent votes, making current negotiations over ethics provisions critical to the bill's advancement.