#CongressTradingBan As of my latest knowledge, there is no comprehensive ban on members of the U.S. Congress trading stocks, but there have been ongoing debates and legislative proposals to restrict or ban the practice due to concerns about insider trading and conflicts of interest.

**Current Rules & Proposed Bans:**

1. **STOCK Act (2012)**

- The **Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act** prohibits members of Congress and their staff from using non-public information for stock trading.

- Requires lawmakers to disclose stock trades within 45 days (later reduced to 30 days in some cases).

- However, enforcement has been weak, and violations often result in minimal penalties.

2. **Recent Proposals to Ban Congressional Stock Trading**

- Multiple bills have been introduced to **ban stock trading by members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents**, including:

- **Ban Conflicted Trading Act** (2023)

- **TRUST Act** (Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust)

- **Bipartisan Ban on Congressional Stock Ownership** (some versions propose requiring lawmakers to hold stocks in blind trusts).

- None of these bills have passed into law yet, but public pressure is growing.

3. **Public Opinion & Ethics Concerns**

- Critics argue that lawmakers often trade stocks in industries they regulate, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

- Examples include stock trades during COVID-19 and around defense/tech legislation.

- Some lawmakers, like Nancy Pelosi (who opposed a ban initially) and others, have faced scrutiny for profitable trades.

**Will a Full Ban Happen?**

- Support is growing in both parties, but Congress has been slow to act.

- If passed, a ban could require divestment or use of blind trusts.