- Bill targets stock trading by U.S. lawmakers.
- Aims to prevent insider conflicts and boost public trust.
- Expected to advance in Congress this week.
Bill to Ban Congressional Stock Trading Gains Momentum
A major piece of legislation aimed at banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks is expected to advance this week, according to sources familiar with Capitol Hill proceedings. The bill — long discussed but repeatedly delayed — seeks to eliminate potential conflicts of interest by prohibiting lawmakers from buying or selling stocks while in office.
Momentum around the bill has surged amid growing public pressure and renewed scrutiny over elected officials’ financial activity. Over the past few years, multiple reports have highlighted instances of suspicious trades by lawmakers, often around sensitive policy events or classified briefings.
Supporters argue that banning stock trading by members of Congress is essential to restoring trust in government and ensuring that public servants are not using insider knowledge for personal financial gain.
What the Bill Would Do
If passed, the bill would bar sitting lawmakers — and possibly their spouses and dependent children — from trading individual stocks. Instead, they may be required to place their assets in blind trusts or diversified mutual funds, reducing the chance of benefiting from policy-driven moves.
The legislation may also include provisions for penalties and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance, which have been weak or inconsistently applied under current ethics rules.
Previous versions of the bill have drawn bipartisan support, with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers voicing concern about the optics and ethics of congressional stock trading. However, past attempts have stalled due to disagreements over specifics or lack of political will.
Growing Public Support for Reform
The push to restrict congressional trading has gained traction among voters, especially younger and financially literate demographics who track lawmakers’ trades online. Platforms like Unusual Whales and public financial disclosures have made it easier than ever to spot trading activity and trends among elected officials.
As trust in government institutions remains low, this bill is seen by many as a crucial step toward accountability and transparency. Whether or not it passes, its advancement this week signals that the issue is no longer being ignored — and reform may finally be within reach.
