Trump-Backed Crypto Bills Stalled as House Republicans Block Key Procedural Vote

Key Insights:

• House vote fails 196-223, with 13 Republicans joining Democrats to block crypto legislation.
• Bills included the GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.
• Trump urged support, but GOP infighting derailed plans during high-stakes “Crypto Week.”

Multiple cryptocurrency-related bills backed by former President Donald Trump failed to advance in the U.S. House on Tuesday. A key procedural vote to move forward the legislative package fell short, ending in a 196-223 defeat. The outcome dealt a major blow to the crypto industry during a week billed as “Crypto Week.”

Thirteen House Republicans voted with Democrats to block the rule needed to begin debate on the bills. Included in the package were the GENIUS Act for stablecoin regulation, the CLARITY Act for broader market rules, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leadership are now considering changes to regain party support.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the Republicans who voted no, cited the GENIUS Act’s lack of a Central Bank Digital Currency ban. “Congress must also include the ban on CBDC in the GENIUS Act,” Greene wrote on X. President Trump had previously urged Republicans to vote yes, calling the legislation key to securing U.S. dominance in digital assets.

Internal GOP Rift Slows Crypto Momentum

GOP leadership had hoped to pass the bills swiftly following the Senate’s recent approval of the GENIUS Act. However, members of the House Freedom Caucus and other conservatives pushed back, demanding the bills be merged into one package. Speaker Johnson said some members “insist it needs to be all in one package.” 

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene cited the lack of a Central Bank Digital Currency ban as her reason for voting against the rule. She emphasized the need to include such a provision, aligning with Trump’s January 23 executive order. Others voiced frustration over the limited ability to propose amendments ahead of the floor vote.

The House is expected to reattempt the vote after further internal negotiations. Senate committees are also moving toward consideration of a second major crypto framework bill. Senator Cynthia Lummis said a draft of that bill could be released this week, indicating parallel efforts in the upper chamber.