House passes 'Stop Insider Trading Act' in bipartisan vote

Democrats who opposed the legislation argued that the bill does not go far enough because it prohibits members of Congress and their families from buying new individual stocks, but it doesn't prevent them from owning them.

By Misty Severi

Published: July 22, 2026 8:14pm

The House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote on Wednesday passed the "Stop Insider Trading Act," which bans lawmakers and their families from trading individual stocks.

The bill passed in a 232-198 vote, with 13 Democrats supporting the legislation. A similar bill is in the Senate.

Democrats who opposed the bill argued that it does not go far enough because it prohibits members of Congress and their families from buying new individual stocks, but it doesn't prevent them from owning them.

"For too long, Americans struggling to make ends meet have watched as lawmakers have entered office just to leave as multi-millionaires," House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement. "This type of behavior is unacceptable and diminishes the American people’s trust in this institution.

"Today, with passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act, House Republicans took a critically important step to restore that faith and trust in both Congress and American elections," he added.

The current bill is not expected to pass the Senate, despite Republican support for the measure, but a stricter bill has seen more support. The Senate bill would prevent members of Congress, their families, the president and vice president from owning and trading any individual stocks.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.