House · HR 7008 · 119th Congress
Stop Insider Trading Act
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Summary
This bill bans members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children from buying individual stocks. Before selling a stock, the member must post a public notice 7 to 14 days ahead of time. Breaking these rules brings a fine of at least $2,000 or 10 percent of the trade's value, whichever is larger.
In Favor
Members of Congress can access secret government information that moves markets. This bill stops them from using that advantage to buy stocks and forces them to warn the public before selling. Those guardrails reduce the chance that lawmakers profit from information that ordinary investors cannot see.
Against
Spouses and dependent children can still buy new stocks for third parties, because the bill's own text exempts trades made on behalf of another person. The required notice before a sale discloses intent but does not halt the trade, so lawmakers keep their information edge. Fines start at only $2,000, leaving the penalty too small to deter large profitable transactions.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill aims to stop Members of Congress and their families from buying stocks while in office and requires advance public notice before any stock sale. It targets concerns that lawmakers might use their official positions to gain from stock trades.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill stays focused on stock trading rules for lawmakers and their families. It covers buying limits, sale notice rules, fees for violations, and payment restrictions for those fees.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children must follow the new buying and notice rules. The Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate take on new duties to receive and post public notices online.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill sets no funding amount but does create fees for violations. A fee equals the greater of $2,000 or 10 percent of the transaction value, plus any gains made during the period of service.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill requires ethics offices to calculate gains and enforce fees for each violation, which adds new workload. The 180-day start date gives covered individuals and offices time to adjust to the new requirements.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 7/24/2026