The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Feb. 27, 2026
During the State of the Union Address, President Trump called for passage of the H.R. 7008, the “Stop Insider Trading Act,” which brought rare bipartisan applause. Good government groups are skeptical. What would it do?
Several members of Congress have been accused of insider trading in recent years, including trades made during the COVID 19 pandemic before its dangers were fully known to the public. In January, Oklahoma U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, disclosed he bought oil stocks just days before U.S. actions in Venezuela.
The House bill would affect members of Congress, spouses or dependents trading individual stocks. QUOTE, “No covered individual shall sell a covered investment, unless a notice of intent to sell the covered investment is made by the Member of Congress and publicly disclosed at least 7 calendar days, and no more than 14 calendar days, prior to the sale in accordance with the requirements of this subsection. UNQUOTE. Violations are subject to fines and forfeiture of gains.
The Campaign Legal Center and other good government groups however, say it’s not enough. Half of Congress owns individual stocks, in itself creating conflicts of interests. And the legislation does not address loopholes like purchases of cryptocurrency, bonds, industry-specific mutual funds or commodities.
We’ve linked to the bill and critiques of it at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Brennan Center for Justice – Congressional Stock Trading, Explained
U.S. Congress – HR 7008 Stop Insider Trading Act
Spectrum News – Trump’s call for congressional stock purchase ban draws bipartisan support as bills await movement
Washington Post Editorial Board – Banning stock trading for lawmakers is popular but unworkable
Campaign Legal Center – How the Stop Insider Trading Act Fails to Solve the Congressional Stock Trading Problem
Latin Times – GOP Senator Bought Oil, Defense Stocks Days Before U.S. Operation Targeting Maduro: Report
ProPublica – Senator Dumped Up to $1.7 Million of Stock After Reassuring Public About Coronavirus Preparedness
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission – SEC Charges Former Indiana Congressman with Insider Trading
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, Project on Government Oversight
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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