Stop Corrupt Trading Act

This bill would create a new federal crime under Title 18 of the U.S. Code barring the President or Vice President, and entities they control or hold a 5% or greater stake in, from selling or exchanging nonpublic information obtained through their official position for financial benefit. It also bars any person from buying, selling, or exchanging such nonpublic information for financial benefit. Nonpublic information is defined broadly to include material exempt from public disclosure, designated confidential, or otherwise not released to the public on equal terms.

Violations by covered officials carry criminal penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines up to double the transaction value, plus mandatory forfeiture of related proceeds. Other participants in such transactions face fines only, not imprisonment. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to pursue civil enforcement — including disgorgement, penalties up to $250,000 or triple the gain, and injunctions — against violators, with counterparties and entities jointly liable. The Office of Government Ethics would be required to refer credible evidence of violations to the Justice Department and notify the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.

The bill was introduced August 6, 2026, by Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) with three cosponsors, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it awaits further action such as a hearing or committee vote before it could proceed to the full House.

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