0417 GMT - Treasury Secretary Bessent reiterated his support for the crypto Clarity Act ahead of a key Senate vote, calling the legislation "essential to ensuring America wins the global race for new technology." Bessent said on X that the act's final draft furthers the administration's mission of enabling digital technology while supporting community banks. That's been a point of contention, with critics worried that the legislation doesn't do enough to protect community banks from deposit flight caused by interest-like payments on stablecoin balances. Bessent said the draft gives the Treasury additional authority to safeguard community banks. "If stablecoins cause harm to community banks, I will not hesitate to use these tools to ensure they remain fully protected." The upcoming vote will decide if the act enters final voting procedures or gets pushed back.