Don’t let perfect be the enemy of Clarity

In an opinion piece published ahead of a key Senate moment on September 15, Summer Mersinger of the Blockchain Association argues that lawmakers should seize the chance to act within a reasonable timeframe. She contends that waiting for the next market failure before addressing problems is a flawed approach and that timely action can prevent avoidable harm.

Mersinger warns against letting the pursuit of a perfect solution prevent policymakers from providing clear, actionable guidance now. The piece suggests that incremental, well-considered steps can deliver needed certainty without requiring consensus on every detail, and that policymakers should weigh the costs of delay against the benefits of greater precision.

The argument frames prompt clarity as both pragmatic and protective: by establishing expectations and rules sooner, regulators and market participants can operate with more confidence, potentially reducing the risk of future disruptions. Mersinger positions the upcoming Senate opportunity as a test of whether lawmakers can prioritize responsiveness over prolonged deliberation.

Ultimately, the op-ed urges the Senate to demonstrate that it can respond constructively and in good time, rather than relying on crisis-driven reforms. Mersinger’s message is a call for action that emphasizes practical governance and the value of providing clear direction when it can still shape outcomes positively.