Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, reassured investors that the legal foundation of the XRP token remains strong despite the recent setback in the U.S. Senate. The CLARITY Act, which aimed to provide clarity on the regulatory status of digital assets, was blocked with a narrow 49-50 vote on September 15.
The procedural vote required a 60-vote threshold to proceed to formal floor debate in the Senate. Unfortunately, the bill fell short of this requirement, halting its progress towards regulation. Despite this, Alderoty emphasized that Ripple and XRP operate within established legal boundaries. He referenced a 2023 federal court ruling that deemed programmatic sales of XRP on exchanges as non-securities.
In response to the legislative deadlock, XRP experienced a 7.95% decline in value, dropping to $1.29 in the past 24 hours. Technical indicators suggest that breaching the 200-day moving average triggered a wave of sell orders.
The bill had previously passed in the House of Representatives in 2025 but faced opposition in the Senate due to concerns over public ethics standards and decentralized protocol oversight.
Ripple’s confidence in its legal standing stems from a joint interpretation by the SEC and CFTC in March 2026, which classified XRP as a digital commodity. This designation shields the company from legal disputes regarding the nature of the asset.
Despite the regulatory uncertainty, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, affirmed that business operations would continue as usual. The company is maintaining its commercial activities and international partnerships without interruption.
Looking ahead, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is set to release updated regulatory guidance for the spot market by the end of the fourth quarter. This roadmap aims to provide clarity and stability for market participants amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.
In conclusion, Ripple remains steadfast in its legal position and operational resilience despite regulatory challenges. The company’s commitment to compliance and transparency underscores its long-term vision for a secure and thriving digital asset ecosystem.