The cryptocurrency industry is now focusing on 2026 for potential progress on the Clarity Act, as legislative efforts on market structure remain sluggish. While stablecoin regulations were enacted in 2025, the Clarity Act has yet to advance. Matt O’Connor from Legion noted that the optimal window for passing the bill has closed, with the 2026 midterm elections becoming crucial. Should Republicans secure both chambers, ConsenSys' Bill Hughes anticipates the bill could be addressed in 2027. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Paul Atkins is advocating for deregulatory initiatives, such as Project Crypto, indicating that regulatory clarity may depend heavily on future political developments.