Wyden urges Senate to keep blockchain developer protections

Senator Ron Wyden has urged Senate leaders to preserve legal protections for blockchain software developers in a major cryptocurrency regulatory bill, setting up a critical debate over innovation and law enforcement as Congress faces a narrowing legislative calendar. In a letter sent on July 8, 2026, the Oregon Democrat asked Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer to retain a key provision as they negotiate the final version of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

The provision, known as the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) and designated as Section 604 of the CLARITY Act, would clarify that developers of noncustodial blockchain software-those who do not hold or control user funds-are not considered money transmitters under federal law. Wyden argued this distinction is necessary to provide legal certainty for developers and prevent the industry from moving overseas, while still allowing law enforcement to focus on unlicensed money transmitters and criminal actors.

The BRCA was originally introduced as a standalone bill earlier this year by Senator Cynthia Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, with Wyden as its sole Democratic cosponsor....