The House may attach a federal CBDC ban to its market structure bill via engrossment, using the Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act text added to the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to bar a Fed‑issued CBDC if the Senate accepts the combined measure.
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House could use engrossment to add a CBDC ban to the market structure bill for Senate consideration.
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The Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act and Digital Asset Market Clarity Act were both passed in the House in July.
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Senate action remains independent; Senate Banking Committee has separate Responsible Financial Innovation Act text.
Meta description: CBDC ban tied to market structure bill: House may engross Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act into the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act — track implications now.
The House Rules Committee could add the CBDC bill to the final version of the market structure bill, but may not impact the Senate’s own version of the legislation.
The U.S. House of Representatives may pursue a faster legislative route to implement a CBDC ban by using an engrossment method that attaches the Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act to the already-passed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The approach would send a combined measure to the Senate for consideration.
In a recent House Rules Committee hearing, a draft agenda revealed a proposal to fold the text of the Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act — narrowly approved by the chamber in July — into the final Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. Engrossment would place both policy texts into a single bill for transmission to the Senate.
Proposed rule to combine House market structure and CBDC bills. Source: US House Rules Committee
What is the House engrossment strategy to block a CBDC?
The engrossment strategy would merge the Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act with the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act so the combined bill is transmitted to the Senate as the House’s finalized position. This does not automatically change the Senate’s separate drafting or schedule.
How likely is engrossment to influence the Senate bill?
Engrossment signals the House’s policy priorities but the Senate may proceed with its own text. Senate Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee are advancing a distinct Responsible Financial Innovation Act that builds on CLARITY Act concepts but differs in structure and provisions. Cross‑chamber negotiation would be required.
What does this mean for regulatory clarity and the digital asset industry?
Combining the CBDC ban with market‑structure reforms aims to provide clearer rules for digital assets by simultaneously updating payment and market definitions while expressly prohibiting a Fed‑issued CBDC. Policymakers cite regulatory clarity as essential for investor protection and market stability.
How would an engrossed bill affect key stakeholders?
House members who supported the GENIUS Act and related measures see engrossment as a tactical move to lock in anti‑CBDC language. Industry participants and state regulators will watch the Senate’s timeline, as bicameral differences could produce amendments or require conference negotiations before final enactment.
When could the Senate act and what are the timelines?
The Senate Banking Committee indicated plans to advance market structure legislation by late September, according to public remarks from key senators. Any final signature timeline depends on committee scheduling, floor consideration, and potential reconciliation between House and Senate texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will engrossment change existing market structure provisions?
Engrossment would preserve the market structure provisions already passed by the House while appending CBDC prohibition language. Any substantive changes to market rules would require further amendment in the Senate or a conference committee to reconcile differences.
How will legislators reconcile partisan differences?
With slim majorities, both parties may seek bipartisan support to secure passage. Democrats have signaled interest in addresssing industry stability and oversight concerns, while Republicans emphasize explicit prohibitions on CBDCs and clearer rules for stablecoins and markets.
Key Takeaways
- Engrossment tactic: House may attach the Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act to the market structure bill to send a combined measure to the Senate.
- Senate independence: The Senate Banking Committee is advancing distinct legislation (Responsible Financial Innovation Act); final outcomes depend on cross‑chamber negotiation.
- What to watch: Committee votes, Senate schedule, and any conference negotiations will determine whether a CBDC ban becomes federal law.
Conclusion
The House’s proposed engrossment of a CBDC ban into an existing market structure bill is a procedural route to press its policy priorities into the Senate’s agenda. While it accelerates the House’s position, final policy will hinge on Senate drafting and bipartisan negotiation. Monitor committee calendars and public statements for near‑term developments.
