Cryptos Spend Big on Lobbying as Clarity Act Hits Roadblock

Crypto companies and trade groups spent at least $13 million on federal lobbying in the first half of 2026, with an estimated $8 million linked to efforts around the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

The Senate blocked the bill's immediate advance after a 49-50 vote on September 15. While not formally ending consideration, this setback leaves the US without proposed market-structure law.

About $2.4 million of the estimated $8 million went to outside lobbying firms and around $2.1 million to lobbyists employed by trade associations. Coinbase reported $1.16 million in lobbying expenses for the second quarter.