Ex-US defense secretary calls CLARITY Act a ‘national security bill’
Summary
Former US defense secretary Mark Esper urged the Senate to pass the CLARITY Act, framing it as a national security measure. He argued that weak crypto rules let North Korea exploit digital asset loopholes, including through groups like Lazarus, to evade US financial controls. He also warned that China is investing in state-directed payment systems to bypass US oversight and weaken the dollar’s global role. Esper said the bill would strengthen Treasury’s tools, including section 311 authorities, to target rogue actors and close crypto-related gaps. The Senate is expected to vote on Sept. 15, after Majority Leader John Thune moved to advance the bill.
