STOCK Act and Insider Trading in Congress
Whistleblowers are often the first line of defense against insider trading in the private sector. Between the Security Exchange Commission whistleblower awards and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Whistleblower Program, governing bodies rely on whistleblowers to report this illegal activity. Whistleblowers take the first step towards getting justice against companies or private citizens who use illegal means to get ahead. However, when it comes to Congressional insider trading, there is a different story.
On November 19, 2025, the House Administration Committee held a hearing concerning stock trading by members of Congress. The hearing was prompted by growing scrutiny of lawmakers suspected of trading stocks using congressional insider information. Much of the hearing showcased the strong bipartisan consensus that exists on this issue. Both Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-NY) expressed strong support for strengthening or outright banning stock trading by members of Congress. They acknowledged the erosion of public trust and the need to restore confidence that lawmakers are not using insider information for personal gain.
In the hearing, there was discussion of the weaknesses that exist in the current Congressional stock trading legislation, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 (STOCK). Witnesses and members agreed that the STOCK Act is insufficient, due to its lax penalties...
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