Bill to Ban Most Congressional Stock Trades

What This Bill Does

The Stop Insider Trading Act would add new stock-trading restrictions for Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children. It would generally bar covered individuals from buying stocks and similar interests in publicly traded companies, while requiring advance public notice before any sale. If a violation occurs, the supervising ethics office could impose a fee of at least $2,000 or 10% of the transaction value, whichever is greater, plus any net gain from the investment.

This bill is aimed at the long-running concern that lawmakers may be able to profit from information or access unavailable to the public. Under new chapter 131, subchapter IV of title 5, it defines a “covered individual” to include a Member of Congress, a spouse, and a dependent child, and defines “covered investment” broadly to include securities of publicly traded companies and comparable interests acquired through synthetic means such as options, warrants, or derivatives. The bill excludes certain holdings, including excepted investment funds, some geographically concentrated funds, small business interests, and certain trusts where the Member has no authority over the trustee. The core rule is straightforward: covered individuals may not purchase covered investments during federal service, except for limited carveouts. Sales are still allowed, but only if the Member files a notice of intent to sell with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, as applicable, and that notice is publicly disclosed at least 7 calendar days and no more than 14 calendar days before the sale. The notice must include the projected sale date, a description of the sale, and the number of shares, and it can be withdrawn if the sale does not happen. There are exceptions for certain transactions by spouses or dependent children made on behalf of others, as part of compensation, or in furtherance of fiduciary or occupational duties, and for reinvested dividends. For enforcement, the supervising ethics office could direct a fee equal to the greater of $2,000 or 10% of the transaction value, plus any net gain realized from the covered investment during the relevant period. The bill also prohibits Members from paying those fees with their Members’ Representational Allowance, Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Expense Account, or campaign-related funds, and it sends collected fees to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. In addition, if a Member resigns or retires before paying an assessed fee, the ethics office may refer the matter to the Department of Justice in the same manner as a violation under section 13106. The amendments would take effect 180 days after enactment, giving offices time to adjust compliance systems.

Who This Bill Affects

For the general public, this bill would not change taxes, benefits, or everyday services directly, but it would change the financial rules for Members of Congress and their families. If enacted, lawmakers could no longer buy most stocks and similar publicly traded investments while in office, and any sale would require a public notice filed 7 to 14 days in advance. The practical effect would be greater transparency and a stronger barrier against conflicted trading, with violations carrying at least a $2,000 or 10% fee plus any realized gains.

Latest Status

February 3, 2026

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 409.

Will It Pass?

14% estimated chance of becoming law

This bill has advanced beyond introduction: it was reported with an amendment on February 3, 2026, and ordered to be printed after referral to the Committee on House Administration. It also has a large list of House cosponsors, which suggests notable support within the chamber, but it still must clear committee, pass the House, move through the Senate, and be signed by the President. Bills restricting congressional stock trading have drawn attention in recent Congresses, but enactment still depends on whether leadership prioritizes floor action and whether there is bipartisan agreement on the details.

Pass percentages are model estimates and may be inaccurate.