Bipartisan Bill Seeks To Bar Members Of Congress And Families From Trading Or Owning Stocks

Congressional momentum is building for a stock trading ban after a bipartisan group of House members introduced the Restore Trust in Congress Act on Wednesday, according to CNBC. The bill would prohibit lawmakers, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading individual stocks, options, futures, or commodities while in office, even through blind trusts. It requires divestment shortly after taking office and imposes penalties of 10% of investment value plus forfeited profits for violations. Sponsors include progressive Democrats like Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, alongside conservative Republicans like Reps. Chip Roy and Tim Burchett. Supporters argue it addresses public outrage over conflicts of interest, while critics like Sen. Ron Johnson contend it would deter private-sector leaders from seeking office. House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled openness to a ban.