Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says the United States still has an opportunity to become the global leader in cryptocurrency, but only if lawmakers complete the regulatory framework that the industry has been pushing for.
Garlinghouse made the comments after a White House meeting in August that brought together senior government officials and executives from major crypto, finance and technology companies.
According to Garlinghouse, the goal of making America the world’s crypto capital remains achievable, but progress now depends on turning policy discussions into legislation.
The meeting included leaders from companies such as Ripple, Coinbase, Robinhood, Kraken, Gemini and Chainlink, along with key regulators including Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael Selig.
Following the gathering, Selig said the administration wants the next generation of financial innovation to be built in the United States. While the statement reflects support for the industry, major regulatory changes still require congressional approval.
Attention is now focused on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, commonly known as the CLARITY Act. The legislation aims to establish clear rules for the cryptocurrency industry and define the responsibilities of federal regulators overseeing digital assets.
The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill, but the Senate must still advance and approve its own version before the legislation can become law.
A key Senate procedural vote is expected on Sept. 15. The measure will need support from at least 60 senators to move forward. Even if it passes, lawmakers would still need to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions before sending a final bill to the president.
The timeline is becoming increasingly tight. Congress has limited working days available before another recess, leaving lawmakers with a narrow window to complete negotiations and secure final approval.
Garlinghouse has repeatedly encouraged lawmakers to find common ground and move forward with a workable regulatory framework, arguing that clear rules are necessary for innovation, investment and long-term growth in the digital asset sector.
While regulators such as the SEC and CFTC can provide guidance and adjust enforcement priorities, industry leaders argue that agency actions alone cannot replace comprehensive legislation. A law passed by Congress would provide greater certainty for businesses, investors and developers operating in the crypto market.
For now, supporters of the industry view the upcoming Senate vote as one of the most important moments for U.S. crypto regulation this year. The White House has signaled support for digital asset innovation, but whether the United States can strengthen its position as a global crypto hub will largely depend on whether Congress can translate that support into law.
As a result, the Sept. 15 vote is being closely watched by the cryptocurrency industry, investors and policymakers alike, as it could shape the future direction of digital asset regulation in the United States.
