Crypto’s Toughest Critic, Set to Chair Senate Banking: Can She Move Prices?

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a leading crypto critic, is expected to chair the Senate Banking Committee in January, though the position is not yet official and few in Washington expect a challenge. Democrats won the Senate in the November 3 midterms, and the majority party chooses committee leaders; as chair, Warren would gain subpoena power to compel documents and testimony, unlike her current ability only to send letters. The Wall Street Journal listed insider trading on prediction markets, consumer protection at crypto companies, and alleged Trump-family conflicts as early priorities. The CLARITY Act, which would set crypto regulatory rules, failed 49-50 on September 15; Warren opposed it, and any new version would need to clear her committee.