#CongressTradingBan

At the heart of this initiative is the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act, introduced by Senators Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly. This proposed legislation would require members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to either divest from individual stock holdings or place them in qualified blind trusts. The goal is to prevent the exploitation of nonpublic information for personal financial gain.

Public backing for such reforms is strong. A University of Maryland survey found that over 80% of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, support a ban on stock trading by lawmakers. This widespread consensus highlights the public’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in government.

Although the STOCK Act of 2012 mandates lawmakers to disclose trades within 45 days, enforcement has been weak, with penalties often as low as $200. This has prompted renewed calls for tougher regulations. In response, several new bills have been introduced — including the TRUST in Congress Act and the ETHICS Act — each seeking to strengthen oversight and rebuild public trust.

The movement toward a full ban on congressional stock trading reflects a broader commitment to ethical governance. These efforts aim to eliminate opportunities for financial self-interest based on privileged information, ensuring elected officials act in the best interests of their constituents.

A recent jolt in the crypto market added urgency to the issue, as Donald Trump called on Congress to pass a stock trading ban. One proposed bill would prohibit members of Congress — and their spouses — from holding, buying, or selling certain investments. Profits gained in violation of this rule would be recovered by the Treasury, and offenders could face civil fines.