US Senate moves forward with GENIUS stablecoin bill

The US Senate has voted to advance a key stablecoin-regulating bill after Democrat Senators blocked an attempt to move the bill forward earlier in May over concerns about President Donald Trump’s sprawling crypto empire.

A key procedural vote on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act, or GENIUS Act, passed in a 66-32 vote on May 20.

Several Democrats changed their votes topassthe motion to invoke cloture, which will now set the bill up for debate on the Senate floor.

Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, one of the bill’s key backers, said on May 15 that she thinks it’s a “fair target” to have the GENIUS Actpassed by May 26— Memorial Day in the US.

The GENIUS Act was introduced on Feb. 4 by US Senator Bill Hagerty and seeks to regulate the nearly $250 billion stablecoin market — currently dominated by TetherUSDT$1.00Tether USDtChange (24h)0.00%Market Cap$139.34BVolume (24h)$73.93BView Moreand Circle’s USDCUSDC$0.9997USDCChange (24h)0.01%Market Cap$52.17BVolume (24h)$7.7BView More.

The bill requires stablecoins be fully backed, have regular security audits and approval from federal or state regulators. Only licensed entities can issue stablecoins, while algorithmic stablecoins are restricted.

Several Democratic senators withdrew support for the bill on May 8, blocking a motion to move it forward, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest involving Trump’s crypto ventures and anti-money laundering provisions.

Related:Circle plans IPO but talks with Ripple, Coinbase could lead to sale: Report

The bill was revised soon after to receive enough bipartisan support to proceed to a vote.

Hagerty’s stablecoin billbuilds on the discussion drafthe submitted for former Representative Patrick McHenry’sClarity for Payment Stablecoins Actin October.

Magazine:Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

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