n a significant bipartisan move, Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) reintroduced the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act on May 22, 2025. This legislation aims to prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading individual stocks while in office. Instead, they would be required to place their investments in qualified blind trusts or divest entirely, thereby preventing potential conflicts of interest and restoring public trust in governmental integrity.
Background and Rationale
The reintroduction of this bill comes amid growing public concern over lawmakers potentially leveraging non-public information for personal financial gain. Despite the 2012 STOCK Act, which mandates timely disclosure of stock transactions by Congress members, instances of questionable trading activities have persisted. For example, reports have highlighted that in 2024, portfolios of Democratic and Republican lawmakers outperformed the S&P 500, raising suspicions about the use of insider information.
Senator Kelly emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “As Americans work hard to keep up with rising costs, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether their elected representatives are using inside information to make a quick buck.”
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Momentum
The bill has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed his backing, noting the need to eliminate any appearance of impropriety among lawmakers. Additionally, Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) has been a vocal advocate, urging immediate action to pass the legislation and end what he describes as an “insidious practice.”
Public opinion also strongly favors such measures. According to recent polls, 86% of Americans support banning stock trading by members of Congress, including majorities across political affiliations.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite widespread support, previous attempts to pass similar legislation have stalled due to various factors, including disagreements over the scope of the ban and enforcement mechanisms. However, the renewed bipartisan effort and heightened public scrutiny may increase the likelihood of the bill’s advancement in the current legislative session.
The reintroduction of the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act signifies a critical step toward enhancing transparency and accountability within the U.S. legislative branch. As the bill progresses through Congress, it will be essential to monitor its development and the responses from lawmakers and constituents alike.
