NSA Backs Down from Opposition
Crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett reported that the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) has shifted its stance on the CLARITY Act from opposition to neutral. The NSA was the last among major police organizations that had opposed the bill to change its position, a move that suggests significant behind-the-scenes negotiations with the White House over the past few months.
According to Terrett, as recently as July 31, the NSA had labeled the CLARITY Act as "harmful" and strongly criticized its provisions related to BRCA that protect non-custodial software developers. The reversal in stance is seen as a result of extensive lobbying by the White House.
Neutrality Seen as Removing a Key Barrier
While the NSA's neutral position does not constitute official endorsement, it is widely regarded as removing another obstacle on the path to the Senate procedural vote scheduled for September 15. However, the National District Attorneys Association and the Association of Assistant United States Attorneys are expected to maintain their opposition. Both groups demand a significant narrowing of the BRCA's protections for non-custodial software developers, but the White House, Treasury Department, some lawmakers, and the crypto industry are unwilling to accept those changes.
Senator's Stance Unchanged
Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto had previously supported the prosecutors' proposed amendments. As of now, she has not publicly changed her position.