Crypto industry spends $206M on US politics to push for permanent rules

Crypto companies have spent $206 million on political donations in the 2026 election cycle, more than any other corporate sector, as they push Congress to create lasting rules for the industry.

The spending is part of a broader $344 million total from crypto, AI, and online betting combined, which makes up over half of all corporate political contributions reported so far, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission filings by Public Citizen.

Industry priorities for Congress

The crypto industry’s focus has shifted from simply asking for regulations to ensuring those rules remain stable across future administrations. Founders and investors say unpredictable changes in asset classification, agency jurisdiction, and compliance requirements make long-term business planning difficult.

• Passing the CLARITY Act, which would define how the SEC and CFTC regulate digital assets.
• Securing access to banking services and payment systems for crypto businesses.
• Updating tax rules to handle small transactions and machine payments.
• Protecting noncustodial software, which allows users to manage their own assets without a third party.

Senate vote on Sept. 15 could decide next steps

The Senate is set to vote on Sept. 15 on whether to advance the CLARITY Act, a bill already passed by the House in July 2025. The act aims to resolve long-standing disputes over which agency—SEC or CFTC—oversees digital commodities.

If the bill clears this procedural hurdle, the industry may turn its attention to banking access, tax reforms, and protections for software developers. If it fails, market structure will likely remain the top priority through the midterm elections.

Why stable rules matter

Utkarsh Ahuja, founder of Moon Pursuit Capital, told CryptoSlate that investors and companies need predictable regulations to commit capital for years. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has also argued that legislation is necessary to prevent future regulators from reversing current policies.

Ryan Kirkley of Global Settlement Network added that crypto firms want the same infrastructure access as traditional banks, including federal regulatory sandboxes and modernized charters, to reduce compliance costs for startups.

What happens next

The Sept. 15 Senate vote will determine whether the CLARITY Act moves forward. If it does, the industry may push for additional reforms. If it stalls or fails, market structure will remain the central issue in crypto policy debates leading up to the elections.

Sources

• CryptoSlate