WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, by a vote of 232-198, prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual stocks issued by publicly traded companies. Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03), who presided over the House as Speaker Pro Tempore during final passage, voted in favor of the legislation and called the reform long overdue.
“Members of Congress should never be able to profit from the public’s trust. Period,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “For too long, Americans have been left wondering whether lawmakers are serving the country or their portfolios. That question should never have to be asked. Today’s vote was long overdue.”The Stop Insider Trading Act prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual securities issued by publicly traded companies while the Member serves in office.
As Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. Cammack presided over the House chamber during final passage, holding the gavel as lawmakers approved the congressional ethics measure.
“I do not own a single share of individual corporate stock,” Rep. Cammack continued. “I was proud to vote for this reform, and especially proud to hold the gavel when the House finally passed it. The American people deserve to know their elected officials are serving them, not their investment accounts.”
The legislation also includes election integrity provisions requiring voters to present photo identification when casting a ballot in a federal election. Absentee and mail-in voters would be required to include a copy of qualifying identification with their ballot. The language mirrors provisions of the SAVE America Act, which previously passed the House by a vote of 218-213.
Today’s vote builds on Rep. Cammack’s broader efforts to strengthen accountability and restore public trust in Congress. Earlier this week, she renewed her call for immediate consideration of H.Res. 500, her resolution requiring criminal background checks for House employees and public disclosure of foreign government payments, contracts, and citizenship.
“Restoring trust in Congress will take more than one vote,” Rep. Cammack concluded. “We must continue raising ethical standards, strengthening congressional security, and proving to the American people that public service is exactly that: service.”
The measure now advances to the Senate.
