US RFIA Crypto Market Bill Faces Ethics Clash in Senate Ahead of 2026 Elections

On 9 January 2026, US Senators intensified debate over the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (RFIA), a Republican-backed bill that would redefine federal oversight of digital assets. Democratic lawmakers are insisting on strict conflict-of-interest rules to stop public officials, including the president, from profiting from crypto ties, warning the bill could stall without such safeguards. The proposal, which passed the House as the CLARITY Act and may expand Commodity Futures Trading Commission authority, now faces added pressure from election politics and impending leadership changes.