Full Committee Markup of Various Measures

The Committee on House Administration held a markup session on January 15, 2026, to consider the Stop Insider Trading Act (HR7008), aimed at preventing members of Congress and certain government officials from profiting off insider information through stock trading. The bill proposes significant reforms including prohibiting the purchase of securities by members, their spouses, and dependent children, requiring public notice before selling stocks, and imposing substantial penalties for violations. The discussion featured robust debate over the bill's scope and effectiveness, with some members advocating for a complete ban on stock trading by government officials, including the president and judiciary, while others supported the bill as a balanced approach that allows individuals with private sector investments to serve in Congress. Several amendments were proposed to strengthen the bill by closing perceived loopholes, such as reinvestment of dividends and trading by spouses on behalf of others, but these were largely rejected. The committee ultimately favorably reported the bill as amended, emphasizing the goal of restoring public trust and ensuring good governance without deterring qualified individuals from public service.