Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act. This legislation prohibits Members of Congress, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. The Stop Insider Trading Act also requires public notice 7 days before a lawmaker, spouse, or dependent child may sell a stock.
“The American people deserve to know their Member of Congress is not profiting off insider information. The Stop Insider Trading Act ensures that cannot happen,” said Steil. “This legislation is critical to restoring the public’s trust in their elected officials. If you want to trade stocks, go to Wall Street, not Capitol Hill.”
The Stop Insider Trading Act will:
Ban Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing a security issued by a publicly traded company.
Require Members of Congress to file a public notice at least seven days, but no more than 14 days, in advance for each intended sale with the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Require the House Ethics Committee to issue a fee equal to $2,000 or 10% of the value of the covered investment for violations of the law – whichever is greater and the net gain realized from the sale.
The Wall Street Journal first broke the story, read more here.
Catch Chairman Steil’s interview on the Stop Insider Trading Act on Mornings with Maria here.
Background:
The STOCK Act of 2012 prohibits Members of Congress from using nonpublic information for their own financial benefit. Many Americans have become concerned that the STOCK Act is insufficient, and stronger measures must be implemented.
In response, the Committee on House Administration held a hearing in November of 2025 to consider potential reforms.
Following today’s introduction of the Stop Insider Trading Act, the Committee will hold a markup to consider the legislation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.
Read the full bill here.
