Esper Labels CLARITY Act 'National Security Bill' Ahead of Crucial Senate Vote

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has labeled the CLARITY Act as 'a national security bill' in an op-ed for the Financial Times.

In his argument, Esper states that China and sanctioned networks gain ground every day the U.S. delays crypto market rules, which would lead to a loss of visibility and effectiveness of sanctions, ultimately allowing rivals like China to write global financial standards.

The CLARITY Act has passed the House 294-134 and was advanced by Senate Banking 15-9 in May 2026, with two Democrats crossing over. A cloture vote is scheduled for September 15, which would be a crucial test of whether the bill has enough votes to pass.

Coinbase's Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad confirmed that the date for the cloture vote is indeed September 15 and emphasized the importance of clear rules in the industry. The national-security pitch by Esper expands the coalition of lawmakers who can justify a yes vote, giving cover to senators who might otherwise shy away from the bill.