Crypto industry gave $8 million to Clarity Act lobbyists who didn't close the deal
Summary
Crypto firms and trade groups spent more than $13 million on federal lobbying in the first half of 2026, with about $8 million tied to the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. Coinbase spent roughly $2.2 million on lobbying that included support for the bill, while Kraken spent nearly $1 million. Despite the industry’s extensive efforts, the Senate did not pass the legislation. Lobbying also addressed tax, mining, anti-money-laundering and other policy issues. Industry advocates say the bill’s progress built bipartisan agreement and laid groundwork for future legislation, while critics pointed to internal divisions. Lobbying is continuing as the SEC and CFTC develop crypto rules.
