Patrick Witt, the White House’s lead on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, will take a multi-month leave at the end of July to complete military legal training, according to a report by Crypto In America.
Witt, who serves as executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, is expected to finish his current work on July 24 and then report for Judge Advocate General (JAG) training with the Georgia Army National Guard. The program will qualify him to serve as a legal officer in the Guard, the report said.
“Patrick has always been forthcoming and honest with every stakeholder that he was taking military leave later this month,” said Cody Carbone, CEO of Digital Chamber.
The timing comes as the CLARITY Act — legislation intended to establish a comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework for crypto markets — faces a narrow window to clear the Senate before lawmakers begin their August recess on Aug. 8. That deadline has been viewed by many observers as critical for advancing the bill.
Witt has played a central role in negotiating contentious elements of the CLARITY Act, mediating talks between crypto industry and banking sector representatives on issues such as stablecoin yield rules and ethics-related provisions.
During his absence, Deputy Director Harry Jung of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets is expected to assume Witt’s duties. Sources cited by Crypto In America say Witt plans to remain engaged with the process while he is in training.
Cointelegraph reached out to the White House and to Witt for comment. This article was produced in line with Cointelegraph’s editorial standards and aims to provide accurate, timely information; readers are encouraged to independently verify details.