White House Chief Crypto Adviser Patrick Witt will take military leave by the end of this month, which may affect the key negotiation progress on the Clarity Act.

Deep Tide TechFlow message: On July 14, according to Crypto in America, White House Chief Crypto Adviser Patrick Witt will depart for JAG (military legal counsel) training with the Georgia Army National Guard starting July 27, and is expected to complete his work at the White House next Friday. The timing of this departure is sensitive: it comes as Senate Republicans are accelerating progress on crypto market structure legislation, the “Clarity Act,” in an effort to complete the legislation before Congress adjourns in August; otherwise, this session of Congress may miss the window to pass it.

Witt previously delayed training that had originally been scheduled to begin in April in order to continue leading negotiations on the “Clarity Act,” including coordinating key disputed issues such as stablecoin yield, ethical provisions, and law-enforcement agencies’ concerns, but a second postponement is no longer possible. During his absence, Deputy Chief Harry Jung will take over the relevant responsibilities. Witt also previously led important policy agenda items, such as implementing a strategic Bitcoin reserve and advancing the “GENIUS Act.” It remains unclear whether he will return after the training ends.