#CongressTradingBan The #CongressTradingBan refers to proposed legislation aimed at preventing members of Congress from trading stocks and engaging in insider trading. This move is driven by concerns that lawmakers are using their access to sensitive information for personal financial gain, eroding public trust in government.
*Key Proposals:*
- *The TRUST in Congress Act*: This bipartisan bill, reintroduced by Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) and Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-1), would require members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents to place investment assets into a qualified blind trust while serving in office.
- *Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act*: Similar legislation introduced in the 117th Congress aimed to prohibit members of Congress and their families from owning or trading individual stocks.
*Supporters:*
- *Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York)*: Backs a proposal to ban lawmakers from owning or trading stocks, citing the need to prevent insider trading and maintain public trust.
- *House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York)*: Suggests support for legislation similar to the TRUST in Congress Act, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability ¹ ².
*Rationale:*
- Preventing insider trading and conflicts of interest
- Restoring public trust in government
- Ensuring lawmakers prioritize public interests over personal financial gain
*Progress:*
- The TRUST in Congress Act has been endorsed by several advocacy groups, including the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
- The bill aims to promote transparency and accountability in Congress, but its passage and implementation remain uncertain ¹.