National Sheriffs' Association Drops Opposition to CLARITY Act

The National Sheriffs' Association has withdrawn its opposition to the CLARITY Act, a sweeping U.S. crypto market-structure bill, after months of resisting the measure. Semafor reported the shift on 4 September 2026, citing a letter the group sent to lawmakers that was shared by an administration official. The move removes a key law-enforcement objection that had muddied the bill's prospects in the Senate, where a vote is expected later this month. The association had been among the legislation's most outspoken critics, arguing it could make it harder to prosecute illicit finance. That position had created political friction for Senate Democrats, including Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, whose support is viewed as important to advancing the bill. In its letter, the group said it is now taking a neutral stance. "Given the complexity of the legislation and the number of important details that remain under consideration, the NSA is changing its position on the CLARITY Act to neutral," the association wrote, adding that it would "step back and allow the legislative process to proceed." While the reversal clears one obstacle, major disputes remain unresolved ahead of the Senate vote, particularly proposals aimed at limiting the president's ability to profit from digital assets. With a vote expected before the end of September, lawmakers face a tight timeline to close the remaining gaps. The CLARITY Act is one of several efforts in Washington to establish a federal framework for digital assets. The broader debate has also included the CFTC chair directing staff to prepare crypto rules if the bill fails, and President Trump urging passage at a White House crypto summit.