Ripple’s Garlinghouse Urges Senate to Pass Crypto Bill, Voices Support for Bessent

Ripple's chief executive argues market structure legislation is needed now, even as he says the industry will advance regardless.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has pressed U.S. senators to move forward with crypto market structure legislation, according to a CoinGape report published this week. The comments add Ripple's voice to a broader industry push for regulatory clarity in Congress.

Garlinghouse reportedly framed the legislation as a necessary step for the United States to keep pace with other jurisdictions on digital asset policy. His remarks come as lawmakers continue to debate the scope and structure of a federal framework for crypto markets.

Alongside his call for Senate action, Garlinghouse voiced support for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to the same report. His comments suggest Ripple sees an alignment between Bessent's stance and the industry's regulatory priorities, though the specific policy overlap was not detailed in available reporting.

Separately, U.Today reported that Garlinghouse said the crypto industry would continue to grow whether or not the so-called Clarity Act passes. That framing positions the legislation as helpful but not essential to the sector's trajectory. It also signals confidence from one of the industry's most prominent executives that momentum in digital assets is not solely dependent on Washington.

The Clarity Act refers to proposed legislation aimed at defining regulatory jurisdiction over digital assets, an issue that has long divided the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Ripple itself has direct experience with this jurisdictional uncertainty, having spent years in litigation with the SEC over the classification of XRP.

Garlinghouse's dual message, pushing for legislative action while asserting the industry does not need it to succeed, reflects a common posture among crypto executives navigating an uncertain political environment. Companies continue to lobby for clear rules while building products and partnerships that do not wait for statutory certainty.

The timing of these remarks coincides with ongoing Senate discussions over market structure proposals that have moved through committee stages this year. Progress on a comprehensive bill has been slower in the Senate than in the House, where a version of market structure legislation advanced earlier.

Market Impact

Statements from a high-profile crypto executive urging Senate action can influence sentiment among investors watching for regulatory catalysts. Market structure legislation, if enacted, is widely viewed by industry participants as a step that could reduce compliance uncertainty for exchanges, custodians, and token issuers operating in the United States.

At the same time, Garlinghouse's comment that crypto will advance regardless of the bill's fate may temper expectations that passage alone would drive significant near-term price moves. Investors and firms are likely to continue monitoring both legislative developments and statements from Treasury officials like Bessent for signals on the administration's broader digital asset policy direction.

Garlinghouse's remarks underscore continued industry pressure on Congress to finalize crypto market structure rules. His comments also suggest that, regardless of the legislative outcome, Ripple and its peers expect the sector's development to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Brad Garlinghouse say about the Senate and crypto legislation?

According to CoinGape, Garlinghouse urged senators to pass pending crypto market structure legislation and expressed support for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's approach to digital assets policy.

What is the Clarity Act mentioned in reports?

It refers to proposed U.S. legislation intended to clarify regulatory jurisdiction over digital assets, addressing long-standing disputes between the SEC and CFTC over which agency oversees various crypto activities.

Did Garlinghouse say crypto needs this legislation to succeed?

No. U.Today reported that he said the crypto industry would continue to grow whether or not the Clarity Act passes, even as he called for its passage.

Why does Ripple's CEO care about market structure legislation?

Ripple spent years in litigation with the SEC over XRP's regulatory classification, giving the company direct experience with the jurisdictional uncertainty that market structure legislation aims to resolve.