Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said on Sept. 3 that making the United States the global center of the cryptocurrency industry remains “within reach,” while urging policymakers to complete the country’s regulatory framework.
Summary
- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said making America the global crypto capital remains within reach.
- His statement followed an August White House meeting involving financial, technology and cryptocurrency industry executives.
- CFTC Chair Michael Selig said the administration wants financial innovation built within the United States.
- The CLARITY Act faces a September 15 cloture vote requiring sixty senators to support advancement.
- House scheduling leaves Congress limited time to reconcile and pass any amended Senate version afterward.
Garlinghouse made the statement after Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael Selig discussed an August White House gathering involving executives from cryptocurrency, finance and technology companies.
“Making America the crypto capital of the world is within reach — let’s finish the job,” Garlinghouse said.
The comment represents Garlinghouse’s policy position rather than confirmation that the United States has achieved the administration’s stated objective.
Ripple CEO points to White House crypto engagement
The White House gathering took place on Aug. 19 and brought crypto executives together with senior administration and financial regulatory officials. Garlinghouse attended alongside Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev and Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi.
Other attendees included Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman, Intercontinental Exchange CEO Jeffrey Sprecher, Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov. SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Selig represented the principal federal market regulators.
Selig subsequently said that the administration was working to ensure that the “new frontier of finance” would be built in the United States. His statement reflects the administration’s policy direction, but lasting regulatory changes still require legislation, agency rulemaking or both.
The gathering preceded the inaugural meeting of the CFTC’s Innovation Advisory Committee on Aug. 20. As previously reported, Garlinghouse joined the committee’s first meeting with executives from cryptocurrency and traditional finance companies.
CLARITY Act remains the immediate legislative test
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act remains central to the administration’s attempt to establish a federal crypto market structure. The legislation would define regulatory responsibilities and create rules governing intermediaries and certain digital assets.
The House previously passed its version, but the Senate’s amended legislation still requires approval. A reported Sept. 15 cloture vote would need support from at least 60 senators before the bill could move toward final floor consideration.
Senate negotiations have included disagreements over decentralized finance, ethics restrictions, consumer protections and the treatment of stablecoin rewards. Seven Democratic senators previously opposed an emerging draft and requested stronger safeguards.
Garlinghouse has repeatedly urged lawmakers to accept a workable compromise. In July, he supported passage despite unresolved disagreements as Senate Democrats sought additional ethics and enforcement provisions.
Congressional scheduling narrows the available window
The Senate vote would not complete the legislative process. If senators approve language differing from the House bill, the two chambers must reconcile their versions before sending legislation to the president.
The House is scheduled to spend only four legislative days in session after Sept. 15 before another recess. That calendar leaves lawmakers limited time to review and approve any changes adopted by the Senate.
If Congress cannot complete the process before campaigning intensifies ahead of the midterm elections, consideration could shift into the post-election lame-duck session. Passage during that period would remain possible but would depend on leadership priorities and the election outcome.
Related crypto.news analysis found that Congress has only 14 working days available for the legislation under the current calendar. The timetable does not make failure certain, but it limits the available routes to enactment.
Agency actions cannot fully replace legislation
The SEC and CFTC have taken steps to clarify their approaches to digital assets. Their guidance can affect enforcement priorities, disclosure expectations and the treatment of specific products.
However, agency statements cannot provide the same statutory division of authority envisioned by the CLARITY Act. Rules introduced by one administration may also face legal challenges or revisions under future leadership.
The next event to watch is the expected Sept. 15 Senate procedural vote. If cloture succeeds, lawmakers must still approve the bill, resolve any differences with the House and complete the process within a restricted congressional calendar.
Garlinghouse’s claim that U.S. crypto leadership is “within reach” therefore depends heavily on legislative execution. The White House meeting showed access and policy support, while the coming Senate vote will test whether those priorities can become binding law.
