#CanadaSOLETFLaunch Central to this initiative is the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act, introduced by Senators Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly. This legislation mandates that members of Congress, along with their spouses and dependent children, divest from individual stock holdings or place them into qualified blind trusts, aiming to prevent the misuse of nonpublic information for personal financial gain .  

Public support for such measures is robust. A University of Maryland survey indicates that over 80% of Americans, across political affiliations, favor banning stock trading by members of Congress . This widespread backing underscores the public’s desire for greater transparency and accountability in government.  

Despite the STOCK Act of 2012, which requires lawmakers to disclose stock trades within 45 days, enforcement has been lax, and penalties minimal, often just $200 . This has led to calls for more stringent regulations. In response, various bills have been proposed, including the TRUST in Congress Act and the ETHICS Act, each aiming to strengthen oversight and restore public trust .  

The push for a comprehensive stock trading ban reflects a broader commitment to ethical governance. By eliminating opportunities for personal enrichment through privileged information, these legislative efforts strive to reinforce the integrity of public service and ensure that elected officials prioritize the interests of their constituents over personal financial gain.