#CongressTradingBan

Congressional Stock Trading Ban – April 2025 Update

The ETHICS Act (Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks) is gaining major momentum in the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan bill aims to prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading individual stocks while in office.

Key Highlights:

Immediate Ban: Lawmakers would be prohibited from buying or selling individual stocks once the law is enacted.

Divestment Requirement: All affected individuals must sell off existing holdings within 90 days of the law going into effect.

Covers More Officials: The bill also includes the President, Vice President, spouses, and dependent children, with a complete divestment deadline by March 2027.

Penalties: Violations could result in fines equal to one month’s salary or 10% of the investment value—whichever is greater.

Legislative Progress:

The ETHICS Act has passed a Senate committee, a historic first for legislation of this kind. The bill now heads toward a full Senate vote, with widespread bipartisan support.

Public Support:

Surveys show strong public backing: A 2023 Morning Consult/Politico poll found that 68% of Americans support banning congressional stock trading.

Recent Controversy:

In April 2025, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene faced criticism for buying up to $315,000 in stock—including Apple, Amazon, FedEx, and Nike—just before Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on international tariffs. The timing raised eyebrows, although Greene stated the purchases were made by her financial advisor.