SENATORS BAN THEMSELVES FROM PREDICTION MARKET TRADES

The ban addresses concerns about lawmakers using non-public information to profit from prediction markets—platforms where users wager on election results and other future events. Senators had previously traded on these markets without restriction, with some candidates betting on their own races. Critics called the practice "blatant, brazen corruption" and a violation of public trust. The legislation extends existing restrictions on stock trading by members of Congress to cover prediction markets. Violations would face penalties under the same framework governing other insider trading prohibitions. The measure gained bipartisan support following revelations about the extent of prediction market trading among elected officials. Some lawmakers signaled intent to pursue additional ethics reforms targeting the incoming Trump administration. Prediction markets have grown significantly in the U.S., with platforms attracting millions in trading volume during election cycles. The ban represents one of the first major regulatory responses to lawmakers' participation in these markets.