#CongressTradingBan
The **#CongressTradingBan** refers to growing calls to prohibit members of the U.S. Congress, their spouses, and dependents from trading individual stocks while in office. Critics argue that lawmakers often profit from insider knowledge or influence legislation to benefit their portfolios, creating conflicts of interest.
### **Key Points:**
1. **Why It’s Controversial**
- Studies show some lawmakers outperform the market, raising suspicions of insider trading.
- Congress is exempt from certain insider trading laws that apply to the public.
2. **Recent Efforts to Ban Stock Trading**
- **2022 Proposal**: The **STOCK Act 2.0** (Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand & Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi) sought stricter rules but failed.
- **2023 Push**: Bipartisan bills like the **TRUST in Congress Act** (Rep. Abigail Spanberger & Rep. Chip Roy) gained traction but stalled.
- **2024 Updates**: Some lawmakers voluntarily refrain from trading, but no full ban has passed.
3. **Public Opinion**
- Over **70% of Americans** support a ban, per polls.
- Critics say current rules (like the **STOCK Act of 2012**) are too weak.
4. **Counterarguments**
- Some argue lawmakers should be free to invest like ordinary citizens.
- Enforcement challenges exist (e.g., tracking family members' trades).
### **Current Status (2024)**
No federal ban exists yet, but pressure is mounting. Some states (like **California**) have introduced their own restrictions.
Would you like details on specific bills or lawmakers involved?