U.S. Representative proposes bill to prohibit Congressional stock trading

U.S. Representative Bryan Steil has introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act, a significant piece of legislation to ban Congressional stock trading. This bill, aiming to rebuild public confidence in elected officials, prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from engaging in stock transactions with publicly traded companies.

Congressman Steil emphasizes the importance of ensuring that elected officials are not benefiting from insider information to make personal gains. By implementing the Stop Insider Trading Act, he aims to address concerns that the current guidelines outlined in the STOCK Act of 2012 are insufficient. The legislation seeks to hold Members of Congress accountable and prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

Under the Stop Insider Trading Act, Members of Congress will be disallowed from purchasing securities issued by publicly traded companies. Additionally, any intended sale of stocks must be publicly disclosed at least seven days in advance to the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Failure to comply with the law may result in penalties, including a financial fee or forfeiture of any gains realized from the unauthorized sale.

This legislation follows a series of deliberations and discussions within the Committee on House Administration. In response to the growing demand for transparency and ethical conduct among lawmakers, the Committee convened a hearing in November of 2025 to explore potential reforms to address insider trading concerns.

The recent introduction of the Stop Insider Trading Act is a significant step towards fostering greater accountability and integrity within Congress. In an effort to further examine and refine the provisions outlined in the bill, the Committee on House Administration will convene for a markup session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.

Chairman Steil’s commitment to promoting ethical standards and preventing abuses of power within the legislative branch underscores the importance of upholding the trust and confidence of the American people. By implementing stricter regulations and oversight on stock trading activities, the Stop Insider Trading Act seeks to enhance transparency and accountability among lawmakers.

As the legislative process moves forward, the Stop Insider Trading Act stands as a pivotal measure in reaffirming the commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that Members of Congress serve the public’s best interests. By introducing this legislation, Congressman Steil underscores the imperative of fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the nation’s capital.