Rare Unanimous Senate Vote Sends Shockwaves Through DC, Pressure On Speaker Johnson After Prediction Market Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate has approved a bipartisan measure banning members and their staff from using insider information to profit on prediction market platforms, marking a rare unanimous action that took effect immediately. The rule change was adopted before lawmakers left Washington for a weeklong recess. The measure, pushed by Sen. Bernie Moreno, prevents senators and their aides from placing bets on platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi. These platforms allow users to wager on real-world events, including elections, geopolitical developments, and other high-impact outcomes.
Moreno said the effort aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and restore public trust in Congress. “I don’t believe we should trade stocks at all. It’s completely insane,” Moreno said. “I think we should focus on our jobs and have our voters go, ‘Hey, this guy’s voting this way, because this is the right thing for the state.’”
The rule change passed unanimously and immediately amended Senate ethics rules, requiring no action from the House or the president. It applies specifically to senators and Senate staff. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the move on the Senate floor and urged the House to adopt a similar standard. “Speaker Johnson should immediately do the same thing in the House,” Schumer said.
There is already an effort underway in the House to mirror the Senate’s action. Rep. Ashley Hinson is leading a push for comparable legislation, as part of a broader conversation about ethics and financial activity by lawmakers. The move comes as Congress has struggled to reach consensus on other reforms, including proposals to ban stock trading by members while in office. Advocates of the new rule argue that prediction markets present a similar risk, particularly for officials with access to sensitive or nonpublic information.
Industry leaders have also expressed support for the change. Polymarket said it backs efforts to codify restrictions into law, noting that its own policies already prohibit insider trading. “Happy to help move this forward however we can,” the company said in a statement. Tarek Mansour, co-founder of Kalshi, also called for broader adoption of the rule. He said the company already blocks members of Congress from participating and enforces policies against insider trading. “This is a great step to increase trust in our markets by making it an industry standard,” Mansour said.
Despite bipartisan support in the Senate, the rule applies only within that chamber, leaving House members and other government officials outside its scope for now. Lawmakers pushing for expanded measures say further action will be needed to address those gaps. Sens. Todd Young and Elissa Slotkin have introduced separate legislation that would extend restrictions across the federal government. Their proposal would prohibit officials from using insider information to place prediction market bets.
The Senate’s decision represents a rare moment of agreement on ethics reform, but its broader impact will depend on whether similar restrictions are adopted across the federal government. The development highlights ongoing discussions about congressional ethics, financial transparency, and the potential for conflicts of interest in an era of rapidly evolving financial technologies. Prediction markets have grown in popularity and influence, raising questions about how lawmakers and staff interact with them given their access to nonpublic information.
The rule change is expected to serve as a model for potential House action and broader federal reforms. Public trust in Congress has been a persistent concern, with polls consistently showing low approval ratings for the institution. Advocates argue that measures like this one can help rebuild confidence by demonstrating a commitment to ethical standards. Critics of congressional stock trading and related activities have long called for stricter rules, and the prediction market ban aligns with those efforts.
As the measure takes effect, attention turns to the House, where similar proposals are under consideration. The bipartisan nature of the Senate vote may encourage House Republicans and Democrats to pursue comparable reforms. The broader legislative landscape includes ongoing debates over stock trading bans and other ethics measures, with varying levels of support across party lines. The unanimous Senate action provides momentum for those discussions, though differences in chamber rules and political priorities could affect the outcome in the House.
The developments occur amid heightened scrutiny of congressional conduct and the influence of money in politics. Legal and policy experts note that while the Senate rule is a significant step, its limited scope means additional action will be needed to address potential conflicts across the federal government. The proposal from Sens. Young and Slotkin represents one avenue for expanding the restrictions, with potential implications for executive branch officials and other federal employees.
Further updates are expected as the House considers parallel legislation and as lawmakers return from recess. The Senate’s unanimous vote marks a notable instance of bipartisanship on ethics reform, providing a foundation for continued discussions on transparency and accountability in Congress.
Top Democrat SHREDDED After Backing Graham Platner - His Career Is Over
Washington, D.C. - June 7, 2026
Rep. Ro Khanna Endorses Graham Platner for Maine Senate Despite Allegations of Past Misconduct
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has publicly endorsed Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, even as Platner faces allegations of abusive behavior in past relationships. A New York Times report this week detailed claims from an ex-girlfriend alleging volatile and abusive conduct.
Platner has denied the allegations of physical abuse. In an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, he stated that the ex-girlfriend was lying about the abuse claims. He also criticized the media coverage as “journalistic malpractice” and accused the whistleblower of political motivation.
Platner has additionally addressed a Nazi-themed tattoo he received, stating that he did not know the design at the time it was applied. He described allegations that he knew the tattoo’s meaning as politically motivated.
Khanna’s Defense of Platner
Khanna acknowledged the New York Times report and described some of Platner’s past relationships as “toxic and volatile.” He stated that no one should make excuses for the past conduct or attack the women who came forward. Khanna added that Platner has “sought redemption,” “took accountability,” and has “worked to be a better man, a better human being.”
During a rally for Platner in Maine, Khanna attributed some of the candidate’s past difficulties to his service in the War on Terror, suggesting that the experience “broke” him and thousands of other veterans. He stated that sometimes the country itself feels “broken.”
Platner previously made public comments blaming women for being raped, which have also drawn criticism during the campaign.
Campaign Context
Platner is seeking the Democratic nomination for the open Senate seat in Maine. The race has drawn national attention as Democrats work to retain or expand their presence in the chamber. Khanna, often described in media reports as a progressive voice within the party, has positioned his support for Platner around themes of personal growth and accountability.
The allegations and Khanna’s response have generated discussion within Democratic circles about candidate vetting and standards for elected officials. Platner has maintained that he is committed to moving forward and representing Maine in the Senate.
The Democratic primary in Maine remains competitive, with vote counting and candidate positioning continuing in the weeks ahead of the general election.
Judge Delivers Ruling on Mail-In Ballots as Election is Too Close To Call
Washington, D.C. - June 7, 2026
Federal Judge Denies Immediate Injunction Against Trump Executive Order on Mail-In Voting
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols ruled on May 28 that a request by Democrats for a preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump’s March 31 executive order on mail-in voting was premature. The judge concluded that federal agencies had not yet taken concrete steps to implement the order, so no immediate harm had been demonstrated.
Trump’s executive order directs federal agencies to compile a list of confirmed U.S. citizens and requires the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail-in ballots only to voters appearing on approved state mail-in voting lists.
Democrats challenged the order in court, arguing that it exceeds presidential authority and could affect voting access for millions of Americans. Nichols did not issue a ruling on the legality of the executive order itself. He determined only that the plaintiffs had not shown sufficient grounds for immediate judicial intervention at this stage.
The decision leaves existing voting procedures unchanged for now. No alterations to how Americans currently cast ballots have taken effect as a result of the ruling.
Appeal and Ongoing Litigation
The Democratic Party has formally appealed the May 28 decision. Legal challenges to the executive order are proceeding on multiple fronts. A separate lawsuit filed in Massachusetts by several voting rights organizations seeks to block portions of the order. A federal judge in Boston is scheduled to hear arguments in that case.
On May 29, the U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule that would require states to provide lists of voters who receive mail-in ballots. The proposal is undergoing a 30-day public comment period before any final action.
The Massachusetts lawsuit was brought by groups including the League of Women Voters, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, the U.S. Vote Foundation, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The plaintiffs are represented by organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Brennan Center for Justice, the Legal Defense Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that the Constitution reserves authority over election rules to the states and Congress, not the president. They expressed concern that the order could affect organizations assisting voters who rely on mail-in ballots, including overseas voters, military families, seniors, voters with disabilities, students, and rural residents.
Administration Position
The administration has defended the executive order as a measure to strengthen election security and improve verification processes. The Justice Department has not yet commented on the appeal of the May 28 ruling.
The executive order remains in effect while litigation continues. Federal courts are expected to play a significant role in determining the scope of presidential authority over election procedures in the coming months. Multiple lawsuits are advancing simultaneously, and additional rulings are anticipated before future federal elections.
BREAKING: Winner of California Governor Race Announced - This is INSANE
Sacramento, California - June 7, 2026
Xavier Becerra Advances to November General Election in California Governor’s Race
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has secured a place in California’s November gubernatorial election under the state’s top-two primary system. CNN’s Decision Desk projected on Friday that Becerra would advance after building a lead over other candidates competing for one of the top two spots.
The projection ensures that a Democratic candidate will appear on the November ballot. Becerra posted a video on X stating, “I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor. Let’s go win this thing.”
While Becerra’s advancement is confirmed, the contest for the second position remains open. Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, continues to compete for that spot along with Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer. Election officials have not yet projected a final outcome for second place.
Since Election Day, Becerra has expanded his lead over both Hilton and Steyer in updated vote counts.
Primary Campaign Context
California’s top-two primary system allows the two highest vote-getters to advance regardless of party. Democrats had expressed concern that a crowded field could result in two Republicans advancing. Becerra’s strong performance has prevented that outcome.
Several prominent Democrats declined to enter the race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla. Early in the campaign, former Rep. Katie Porter briefly led in some polls before her campaign ended following the circulation of controversial videos. Later, then-Rep. Eric Swalwell entered the race in late 2025 but withdrew after reports of alleged sexual misconduct, which he denied. Swalwell also resigned from Congress.
Becerra, a former California attorney general and U.S. representative, centered his campaign on his government experience and record managing complex issues. Critics during the primary raised questions about his handling of the child migrant crisis, the federal response to the mpox outbreak, and a case in which a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds. Becerra has not been accused of wrongdoing in that matter.
Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously told CNN that Becerra inherited difficult situations and worked to address them.
Broader Election Landscape
California has approximately 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans. The last Republican elected governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won reelection in 2006.
In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Democrat Karen Bass has already advanced to the November ballot. Independent candidate Spencer Pratt currently holds second place, though Democratic City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has gained ground as additional ballots are counted.
Vote counting continues in several California races, with final results in some contests expected to take additional time.
