After the US midterms of November 3, 2026, the crypto industry faces a clear deadline: the CLARITY Act expires on January 3, 2027, if the Senate does not act by then. On that day the new Congress convenes, with Democrats leading both chambers. According to NBC News, the Senate stood at 54 to 44 on Wednesday with two races open. For the House the network estimates 258 to 177.

Midterms recap: key points

• Deadline: January 3, 2027, after that a new bill would have to start over.
• Hurdle: 60 votes in the Senate, on September 15 the count was 49 to 50.
• Committees: Elizabeth Warren is likely to lead the Banking Committee, Maxine Waters the Financial Services Committee.
• Agencies: from January a Democratic Senate can block nominees for the SEC and…