Does Elissa Slotkin Support Crypto?

Senator Elissa Slotkin's explanation for voting against the CLARITY Act earns a stance score of 25, or Somewhat Against Crypto. To understand why this is a negative signal, we have to look at what this legislation actually does and why her justification for blocking it is problematic for the industry. The CLARITY Act (Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025) is a major piece of pro-crypto legislation. It establishes a desperately needed regulatory framework by granting the CFTC exclusive jurisdiction over spot market transactions, ending the ambiguity of what constitutes a digital commodity versus a security. Crucially, it also explicitly protects the rights of everyday users to self-custody their digital assets. These are exactly the enabling "rules of the road" the industry needs to thrive legally and safely in the United States. While Senator Slotkin closes her statement by claiming she wants the U.S. to lead in crypto innovation, her reasoning for voting "no" contradicts that goal. Her primary justification relies on a political grievance regarding the President and his Cabinet's personal business ventures in the crypto space. Holding an entire industry's regulatory clarity hostage over partisan ethics disputes regarding a few individuals is deeply unfair to the thousands of builders and millions of users who are left in regulatory limbo. Furthermore, she pivots to heavy-handed national security and money laundering talking points. While preventing illicit finance is important, weaponizing these concerns to block a bill that actually establishes market structure is a classic anti-crypto maneuver. It unfairly frames the technology primarily as a vehicle for crime rather than a revolutionary financial tool. You cannot claim to support clear guardrails while simultaneously voting down the very legislation that provides them. Actions speak louder than words, and voting against CFTC jurisdiction and self-custody protections is a net negative for crypto.

Senator Elissa Slotkin's retweet highlighting her co-sponsorship of the SAFE Crypto Act is a very strong pro-crypto signal, which is why this action earns a top score. At first glance, a bill focused on combating fraud might seem neutral or even negative. However, the approach here is key. This isn't a call to ban or restrict crypto; it's a call to make the ecosystem safer for everyone. Thoughtful, targeted measures against scams and illicit activity are essential for building consumer confidence and enabling mainstream adoption. A healthy industry is one that actively works to remove bad actors. Crucially, the SAFE Crypto Act proposes a task force that explicitly includes private-sector experts alongside regulators and law enforcement. This collaborative approach—working *with* the industry to establish rules of the road—is exactly the kind of constructive engagement we need. It stands in stark contrast to the hostile "regulation by enforcement" strategy that has stifled innovation. This move is consistent with Senator Slotkin's overwhelmingly positive record, including her votes for major pro-crypto legislation like FIT21 and the GENIUS Act. By championing a bipartisan bill to protect users, she is helping to build a sustainable and legitimate foundation for the digital asset industry in the United States.