What the filings show
- Who traded: the member, spouse or dependent child.
- What: the ticker or asset, and whether it was a stock or option.
- Size: a dollar range (for example $15,001–$50,000), not an exact amount.
- When: the trade date and the date it was disclosed.
Limits to keep in mind
- Reports can arrive up to 45 days after the trade — sometimes later.
- Ranges hide the true size.
- Many trades are routine portfolio moves, not informed bets.
- Late filers usually face only a small fine.
How traders use them
Look for clusters: several members buying the same sector, or committee members trading in industries they oversee. Combine with options flow to see whether the market is already positioned.