Bitcoin Consolidates Near $66,000 as Clarity Bill Passage Prospects Dim

Bitcoin traded near $66,000 on July 23 as the cryptocurrency consolidated recent highs. The price action came after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comment that the Clarity Bill was 'one yard away' from passage.

The bill's prospects for year-end passage now stand at just 40% according to prediction markets, down from 50%. This reduced optimism was likely due in part to President Trump's cautious stance on Iran and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Despite the challenges, Bitcoin received support from ETF inflows continuing for a sixth consecutive day, while a rebound in semiconductor stocks provided additional backing. The options market also showed significant open interest at $70,000 and $72,000 strike prices, which could draw prices toward these levels heading into mid-week.