Coinbase Urges Congress to Define Crypto Rules During Pivotal Week

Coinbase, one of the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchanges, has intensified its lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., urging Congress to establish clear and comprehensive regulations for the digital asset industry. This push comes as the House of Representatives prepares to vote on three significant bills during a pivotal week, collectively referred to as “Crypto Week.” These bills aim to define the future of digital assets in the United States.

The first bill, H.R. 3633, known as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025, seeks to clarify when a digital asset is considered a security or a commodity. This legislation is crucial for resolving the ongoing debate between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over jurisdiction. The CLARITY Act aims to provide a pathway for blockchain projects to transition from SEC oversight to CFTC regulation as they achieve decentralization milestones, thereby ending years of enforcement-first policymaking and offering a clear legal framework for developers and investors.

The second bill, H.R. 1919, titled the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, prohibits the issuance of a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). This legislation is supported by a broad coalition, including traditional finance advocates and crypto proponents, who argue that a government-backed digital dollar could lead to financial surveillance and undermine civil liberties. The bill has garnered support from groups such as the American Bankers Association and the Bank Policy Institute, as well as leading blockchain trade associations.

The third bill, S. 1582, known as the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act), promotes stablecoin innovation while setting new guardrails for their issuance. This Senate-passed bill encourages responsible fintech development, supports dollar-backed digital assets, and emphasizes U.S. leadership in the face of China’s growing influence through its digital yuan. If the House approves the Senate version, the bill would head directly to the President’s desk, marking a significant milestone in comprehensive crypto legislation.

Coinbase’s full-page advertisement in The Washington Post underscores the urgency within the industry for clear, consistent crypto rules that foster innovation while protecting investors. The ad warns that without a defined regulatory framework, the United States risks falling behind global innovation hubs. This legislative moment is seen as a critical opportunity for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in the digital asset space, as a future political realignment could reverse any legislative progress and reinstate regulatory overreach.

The crypto industry’s demand for legislation has been building for years, particularly in response to the SEC’s aggressive posture under the previous administration. Without legislative guardrails, federal agencies can continue interpreting the law however they see fit, chilling innovation and pushing companies offshore. The passage of these bills could mark a turning point, ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of digital asset innovation while protecting investors and maintaining financial privacy.