Rep French Hill Says CLARITY Act Can Resolve Stablecoin Debate

• Rep. French Hill says the CLARITY Act may address key stablecoin regulatory issues in Congress.
• The GENIUS Act set an early framework defining dollar-backed stablecoins as blockchain payment tools.
• Banks warn proposed rules could favor crypto firms, while Treasury may address yield questions.

Rep. French Hill discussed the future of U.S. stablecoin legislation during a recent appearance on Fox Business. The House Financial Services Committee chairman said lawmakers could address key regulatory issues through the CLARITY Act. Hill also referenced the GENIUS Act, which the House passed last July with bipartisan support to establish rules for dollar-backed stablecoins.

GENIUS Act Set Early Framework For Stablecoins

French Hill explained that Congress began addressing stablecoin regulation during last year’s legislative session. Lawmakers passed the GENIUS Act to define the structure of dollar-backed payment stablecoins.

According to Hill, the bill established that stablecoins should function strictly as payment devices on blockchain networks. He said lawmakers agreed that such assets should not pay yield.

The House also passed the CLARITY Act during the same period. Hill noted that both measures received bipartisan backing, including support from 78 Democratic lawmakers.

The legislation outlined rules for both bank and nonbank stablecoin issuers. Hill said Congress aimed to create consistent requirements for sales practices, capital standards, and supervision.

Banking Industry Raises Concerns Over Regulation

However, the debate around the CLARITY Act continues in Washington. Members of the banking industry have raised concerns about the proposed framework.

Some banking representatives argued the bill could give crypto companies greater operational freedom. At the same time, banks would remain subject to stricter financial regulations.

During the Fox Business interview, Hill acknowledged these concerns while discussing possible compromises. He emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all stablecoin issuers.

Hill said lawmakers want to avoid creating regulatory imbalances between bank and nonbank providers. Therefore, Congress continues reviewing how the framework should apply across the industry.

Treasury Rulemaking May Address Yield Questions

Meanwhile, Hill pointed to another regulatory path under development. The U.S. Treasury Department is preparing rulemaking to implement the GENIUS Act.

According to Hill, that process could address questions about yield or rewards tied to stablecoin transactions. Some policymakers and industry leaders have suggested rewards could serve as a compromise.

For example, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reportedly raised concerns about fairness between banks and crypto companies. Hill said regulators could consider these issues during Treasury’s implementation process.

Meanwhile, the Senate continues reviewing the CLARITY Act. Hill said lawmakers may also outline stablecoin rules directly in the legislation.