H.R. 7008Heading to a voteGovernment & democracy
Stock trading ban for sitting members of Congress advances in new bill
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 7008 would ban members of Congress and their families from buying individual stocks while in office.65-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 7008 would prohibit members of Congress from purchasing individual stocks while serving in office. Spouses and dependent children living with or financially dependent on the member would also be covered by the ban. Diversified funds such as index funds, small business investments, and stocks held in certain trusts where the member has no control over investment decisions would still be permitted, as would reinvesting dividends from stocks already owned.
Who does it affect?
The bill applies to all sitting members of Congress and their immediate family members who live with them or are financially dependent on them. Spouses or dependents who work in finance and trade stocks as part of their jobs would be exempt from the advance-notice requirement for sales.
Why does it matter?
Members who want to sell stocks would be required to publicly announce the planned sale between 7 and 14 days in advance, including the date, a description of the transaction, and the number of shares, posted online for public view. Violations carry financial penalties and can be referred to the Justice Department if fines go unpaid after a member leaves office.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Penalty: $2,000 or 10% of transaction
- Illegal profits also forfeited
- No office or campaign funds for fines
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote — You are here
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a House floor vote. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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How it's being covered
Real reporting on this bill, labeled by each outlet's political lean.
Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.
- House GOP Moves to Limit Lawmakers’ Prediction Market Betting
cointelegraph.comJun 5, 2026
- Republican Lawmaker Plans to Add Prediction Markets to Congressional Stock Ban Bill
decrypt.coJun 4, 2026
- Congressional Stock Trading Ban Backed by Trump Is Full of Loopholes
truthout.orgMar 10, 2026Leans left
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.
Official title
Stop Insider Trading Act
- Introduced:
- January 12, 2026
- Latest action:
- February 3, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 409.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
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