Bitcoin, Ethereum Slip as Traders Watch Clarity Act Progress in Congress

Bitcoin and ethereum extended their weeklong decline on May 14, 2026, as investors monitored congressional progress on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, a crypto market structure bill that could shape U.S. regulation of digital assets. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $79,283.34, down 1.5% from May 13, 2026, before rising to $79,569.75 by 6:57 a.m. ET. Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened at $2,257.71, down 0.7% from the prior session’s opening price, and edged up to $2,261.79 by 6:57 a.m. ET. The two largest cryptocurrencies have moved lower each day since the start of the week. Market sentiment remains cautious despite optimism that the Clarity Act is gaining traction in Congress, with illicit finance and ethics concerns still posing potential hurdles to its passage.