Despite earlier opposition to the CLARITY Act over consumer protection, the National Sheriffs’ Association says it will now “step back and allow the legislative process to proceed.“ The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) has dropped its opposition to a cryptocurrency market structure bill scheduled for a vote later this month when the US Senate returns to session.
In a Thursday letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the US law enforcement group said that it was changing its position on the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act to “neutral.” The NSA cited the “significant work undertaken by Congress, the Administration, and stakeholders to navigate the many legal, regulatory, and enforcement considerations involved” in addressing the bill.
“At this time, we believe the most appropriate course is to step back and allow the legislative process to proceed to establish a clear, effective, and much needed regulatory framework,” said NSA president Troy Wellman and CEO and executive director Justin Smith.
The NSA previously expressed opposition to provisions in the CLARITY Act, saying it had “significant concerns” about amendments to exempt crypto mixers from many registration requirements.
According to the group, the provision could “[impair] law enforcement’s ability to trace transactions and digital assets, and recover victims’ money.” “The CLARITY Act protects the crypto industry, not the public,” said Sheriff Jim Skinner in a July video from the NSA.
Related: Rushed CLARITY Act vote could set legislation back, Gallego warns Passed by the US House of Representatives in July 2025, the CLARITY Act has faced several hurdles since it was sent to the Senate for consideration.