01 — The Text
What.
- Congress members, spouses, and dependent children banned from buying stocks.
- Must publicly announce intent to sell stocks 7-14 days before selling.
- Violations trigger fees: the greater of $2,000 or 10% of trade value, plus any profits earned.
- Certain investments exempt: mutual funds, employer compensation, trust holdings.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Targets lawmakers who trade on nonpublic information or appear to; affects ~535 House/Senate members plus families.
- Public notice requirement exposes timing of trades; reduces suspicion but doesn't prevent trades outright.
- Fines cannot come from campaign funds or official allowances—members pay personally.
- Exemptions for spouses' employer stock and trust investments preserve some trading flexibility for covered families.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Passed House Administration Committee (amended) in February 2026; now scheduled for full House floor vote under structured debate rules.
- Bipartisan support: 93 cosponsors suggest realistic passage chances, though Senate action uncertain.
- Contact your representative to state position before House floor vote; track progress on Congress.gov.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Jul 20, 2026 — Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1438 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955 and H.R. 9770. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8800 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 8884, H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770 under a closed rule, with one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit H.R. 8800, H.R. 8844, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770.
- Feb 3, 2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 409.
- Feb 3, 2026 — Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-479.
- Feb 3, 2026 — Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-479.
- Jan 14, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 4.
- Jan 14, 2026 — Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jan 12, 2026 — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Jan 12, 2026 — Introduced in House