Stop Insider Trading Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 232 - 198 (Roll no. 280).
What this bill does
H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, would place new restrictions on stock ownership and trading by Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children. Members and their covered family members would generally be barred from purchasing publicly traded securities or comparable derivative interests, with exceptions for diversified funds, small-business interests, certain blind trusts, dividend reinvestments, and trades made as part of a spouse's or child's regular job. Before selling a covered investment, a Member would have to publicly file advance notice 7 to 14 days ahead of the sale. Violations would trigger fees—calculated using a flat amount or percentage of the transaction plus any gains realized—payable by the Member, with payment from official office accounts or campaign funds prohibited; unpaid fees by departing Members could be referred to the Justice Department. These provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment.
The bill also adds a separate, unrelated section requiring voters in federal elections to present photo identification, whether voting in person or by mail, with specified exceptions (such as military and overseas voters, and those with disabilities voting under existing accessibility provisions) and religious-objection or hardship affidavit alternatives. It requires states to provide public access to devices for copying identification, notify voter registration applicants of the ID requirement, and directs related conforming changes to election law; these provisions take effect 90 days after enactment.
The bill affects Members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children, and, through the voting provisions, all voters and state/local election officials. Having passed the House on July 22, 2026 by a 232–198 vote, it now goes to the Senate for consideration; it would also need the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Stop Insider Trading Act
This bill generally prohibits Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children from purchasing stocks and requires public notice before these individuals may sell stocks.
Specifically, Members of Congress and the spouses and dependent children of Members of Congress may not purchase covered investments. Between 7 and 14 days before a Member or a covered spouse or dependent sells a covered investment, the relevant Member must file public notice of the intent to sell with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate, as appropriate. The Clerk or Secretary must publish this notice online. If the individual decides not to sell the covered investment, the notice must be withdrawn.
Under the bill, a covered investment is a security issued by a publicly traded company or a comparable economic interest. Some investments are exempt, including interest in a widely held investment fund and certain investments held in a trust.
Violations of these provisions are subject to a fee and, in the case of a purchase, a requirement to sell the covered investment. The fee must equal (1) the greater of $2,000 or 10% of the transaction value, and (2) any net gain realized from the transaction during a specified period. The fee may not be paid using campaign donations or Members’ official allowances.
Certain transactions by covered spouses and dependents are exempt, including transactions made on behalf of another person or made as part of compensation from the individual’s employer.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 232 - 198 (Roll no. 280).
14 Jan 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 4.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7008 do?
- H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, would place new restrictions on stock ownership and trading by Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children. Members and their covered family members would generally be barred from purchasing publicly traded securities or comparable derivative interests, with exceptions for diversified funds, small-business interests, certain blind trusts, dividend reinvestments, and trades made as part of a spouse's or child's regular job. Before selling a covered investment, a Member would have to publicly file advance notice 7 to 14 days ahead of the sale. Violations would trigger fees—calculated using a flat amount or percentage of the transaction plus any gains realized—payable by the Member, with payment from official office accounts or campaign funds prohibited; unpaid fees by departing Members could be referred to the Justice Department. These provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment. The bill also adds a separate, unrelated section requiring voters in federal elections to present photo identification, whether voting in person or by mail, with specified exceptions (such as military and overseas voters, and those with disabilities voting under existing accessibility provisions) and religious-objection or hardship affidavit alternatives. It requires states to provide public access to devices for copying identification, notify voter registration applicants of the ID requirement, and directs related conforming changes to election law; these provisions take effect 90 days after enactment. The bill affects Members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children, and, through the voting provisions, all voters and state/local election officials. Having passed the House on July 22, 2026 by a 232–198 vote, it now goes to the Senate for consideration; it would also need the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 7008 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, H.R. 7008 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 7008?
- H.R. 7008 was sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil [R-WI1] (Republican-WI), with 93 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7008?
- On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 232 - 198 (Roll no. 280). (22 Jul 2026).
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