Mark Esper labels CLARITY Act a national security priority

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has characterized the CLARITY Act (H.R. 3633) as a national security imperative rather than a mere financial services bill. In a recent op-ed, Esper argued that the absence of clear federal rules for digital assets allows sanctioned networks and rivals like China to gain ground and potentially set future global financial standards.

Esper, who currently serves on Coinbase’s Global Advisory Council, contends that U.S. economic power relies on the dollar and the payment systems that support it. He warned that if digital asset activity moves to offshore venues with laxer regulations, Washington will lose visibility and the effectiveness of its sanctions will diminish.

The legislation has seen significant movement in Congress. After passing the House with a 294–134 vote in July 2025, the bill was advanced by the Senate Banking Committee in May 2026. Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed a cloture motion on August 8, setting a deadline for a Senate vote on September 15.