Bill · H.R. 8838· House(119-HR-8838)
Congressional Prediction Market Ban Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/14/2026
- Last activity
- 5/14/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Sponsored by
- Eugene Vindman
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Congressional Prediction Market Ban Act of 2026 aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code. It prohibits Members of Congress from participating in covered transactions involving prediction market contracts. This ban extends to benefits received from transactions made by individuals within the same household as the Member. To ensure compliance, Members must certify their adherence to these rules annually to the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate. The bill also establishes investigation procedures and specific financial penalties for violations.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires Members of Congress to publicly certify their compliance with the prediction market ban on official websites.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+2
By preventing Members of Congress from profiting from prediction markets, the bill aims to reduce potential conflicts of interest that could affect market integrity.
The opposite
Would high-income households be better off under this?-2
The bill restricts the financial activities of Members of Congress and their households through prohibitions and potential fines.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability and Transparency: Members of Congress are required to certify their compliance with the ban within 15 days of the start of a calendar year, and these certifications must be made available on public websites (Sec. 13152(b)).
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Enforcement of Conduct: Congressional ethics committees are tasked with promptly investigating Members who fail to certify compliance or are subject to credible reports of a violation (Sec. 13153(a)).
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Financial Consequences for Violations: Members found in violation of the participation ban face a fine of either $10,000 or triple the profit made from the violation, whichever is greater (Sec. 13153(b)).
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Public Guidance and Assistance: Ethics committees are required to issue guidance and establish procedures to assist Members in complying with the new requirements (Sec. 13154).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden on Members of Congress: Members who violate the prohibition on participating in or benefiting from prediction market transactions face significant fines, which could be as much as triple the profit made (Sec. 13153(b)).
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Restrictions on Household Members: The bill prohibits a Member from receiving a benefit from a covered transaction if a member of their household engages in that transaction and receives a payment or benefit (Sec. 13152(a)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For High Income Households-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- 5/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Introduced in House