The U.S. Senate is poised to take a significant step in regulating crypto assets. The long-debated and previously delayed GENIUS Act will be brought to the table on Monday for a closure vote. Organized by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the vote is considered a pivotal moment in the nationwide quest to regulate cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
Current Status of the GENIUS Act
Senator Thune’s formal request for a closure vote has been instrumental in advancing the legislation to its final stage. This development signifies that the bill has reached the Senate agenda after prolonged discussions. A bipartisan amendment is being reviewed, which includes stricter rules for tech companies involved with financial assets, enhanced consumer protections, and increased oversight of public officials.
Additionally, the introduction of clearer rules to prevent the misuse of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance, along with strengthened bankruptcy protections, is contributing to broader bipartisan support for the bill. The proposed legislation aims to balance financial innovation and accountability.
Senate sources remarked, “A bipartisan consensus will bring tighter oversight to the tech and financial sectors.”
Provisions of the GENIUS Act
Initially introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty, the GENIUS Act targets the regulation of stablecoin issuers in the U.S. It proposes a framework for stablecoins to be pegged one-to-one with the U.S. Dollar and managed transparently. According to the bill, major issuers with assets over $10 billion would be subject to Federal Reserve oversight, while smaller issuers would be monitored by state authorities.
All issuers would be required to back their circulating tokens with assets like U.S. Dollars or Treasury bills and publish regular transparency reports. The legislation also seeks to preserve the dominant global role of the U.S. Dollar and enhance financial inclusivity.
Crypto Regulation Landscape
As the Senate proceeds with the GENIUS Act, the House of Representatives has previously passed a similar measure known as the “STABLE Act.” This law sets common rules for all stablecoin issuance pegged to the U.S. Dollar, affecting popular tokens like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC).
Supporters argue that the proposed legislation will strengthen consumer rights amid the rapid spread of cryptocurrencies and maintain America’s leadership in financial technologies. Representative Dan Meuser stated:
This law brings necessary measures as cryptocurrency usage rises and aims to ensure transparency by preventing risky practices.
The legislation aims to implement strict transparency requirements to ensure tighter regulation of crypto asset companies’ activities. It emphasizes Congress’s urgency in bringing GENIUS and STABLE Acts to the forefront to create order in the crypto financial system.
Legislation aiming for stricter oversight of digital assets and their controlling companies in the U.S. seeks to harmonize financial system stability with innovation. The new regulations are expected to bolster consumer protections and increase transparency in financial technology. Upon enactment, the digital asset market is anticipated to be subject to clearer rules and tighter oversight.