In this week’s episode of Byte-Sized Insight on Decentralize with Cointelegraph, we explore a pivotal development in US crypto legislation. On May 19, the US Senate advanced the GENIUS Act with a 66–32 procedural vote. This landmark bill aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins. Simultaneously, in the House, Representative Tom Emmer reintroduced the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, which enjoys bipartisan backing. Understanding GENIUS The GENIUS Act—standing for “Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U. S. Stablecoins Act”—addresses fundamental issues surrounding stablecoin issuance and regulation. “It defines this idea of a payment stablecoin, ” Rashan Colbert, director of US policy at the Crypto Council for Innovation, explained in this week’s interview. He emphasized that the bill goes beyond definitions. “It outlines in a robust way just who’s allowed to do this and what they need to look like. ” This refers to clear guidelines on authorized issuers, including bank subsidiaries, credit unions, and approved non-bank entities. Related: Interest groups, lawmakers to protest Trump’s memecoin dinner The bipartisan support for the GENIUS Act is both notable and encouraging. “There has been latent support within Congress, including within the Democratic caucus, ” Colbert said. “They just haven’t had the opportunity to take meaningful votes. ” Protecting blockchain developers In the House, the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, co-sponsored by Representatives Emmer and Ritchie Torres, seeks to provide legal clarity for developers and service providers who do not hold customer funds. “It clarifies that they are not money transmitters, ” Colbert noted. “That’s the clarity these builders and entrepreneurs need to continue operating successfully. ” With crypto adoption growing—especially among minority communities—Colbert highlighted the urgency.

“About one in five Americans hold crypto. That number is even higher in Black, Latino, and Asian-American communities, ” he added. Looking forward, broader market structure reforms will be more complex. Colbert’s advice?Get involved. “At the end of the day, it’s the people making their voices heard, ” he said. “Crypto is a big deal—and Capitol Hill is finally starting to listen. ” For the full interview, listen to this episode of Byte-Sized Insight on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. And be sure to explore Cointelegraph’s full range of other shows!