Coinbase Policy Chief Expects Crypto Clarity Bill Markup Next Week, Urges Bipartisan Cooperation

Kara Calvert, Vice President of U.S. Policy at Coinbase, said Tuesday at the Consensus 2026 conference in Miami that she expects a legislative markup for a proposed cryptocurrency clarity bill to occur next week. Speaking to attendees, Calvert emphasized the urgency of bipartisan cooperation, noting that recent polling indicates 70% of voters support the bill’s passage.

Bipartisan Support and Tax Reform as Key Drivers

Calvert argued that the current regulatory environment is hindering innovation and deterring institutional investment. She specifically pointed to the existing tax reporting framework, describing it as “irrational” for taxing transactions as small as one dollar. Reforming this system, she said, would be a critical factor in attracting the institutional capital necessary for the U.S. to remain competitive in the global digital asset market.

The bill in question aims to provide clear legal definitions for digital assets and delineate the jurisdictional boundaries between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Such clarity has been a long-standing demand from industry participants who argue that the current patchwork of enforcement actions creates uncertainty.

Context and Implications for the Crypto Industry

The expected markup comes after months of negotiations and public hearings. A markup is a formal committee process where legislators debate, amend, and vote on a bill before it moves to the full chamber. If successful, this would represent one of the most significant steps toward comprehensive federal crypto regulation in the United States.

Calvert’s remarks also underscore a broader industry push for regulatory clarity that balances consumer protection with innovation. The mention of tax reform is particularly noteworthy, as the current reporting requirements under the Internal Revenue Code have been criticized for their complexity and breadth, potentially discouraging retail and institutional participation alike.

What This Means for Investors and the Market

For market participants, a clear regulatory framework could reduce the risk premium associated with U.S.-based crypto operations. Institutional investors, including pension funds and endowments, have largely remained on the sidelines due to legal uncertainty. A successful markup next week would signal that legislative progress is tangible, potentially boosting market sentiment and encouraging further investment in blockchain infrastructure.

Conclusion

The anticipated markup next week represents a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. With strong public support and a clear call for bipartisan action from a leading industry executive, the coming days will reveal whether Congress can deliver the clarity the sector has long sought. The outcome will have lasting implications for the competitiveness of U.S. digital asset markets.

FAQs

Q1: What is a legislative markup?
A markup is a committee session where lawmakers review, amend, and vote on a proposed bill. It is a key step before the bill can be considered by the full House or Senate.

Q2: Why is tax reform important for crypto?
Current U.S. tax rules require reporting of virtually all crypto transactions, including small purchases. Critics say this creates an administrative burden and discourages everyday use and institutional investment.

Q3: How likely is the bill to pass?
While bipartisan support exists, the legislative process remains unpredictable. The markup will be a critical test of whether the bill has enough momentum to advance further.