Overview

• The Restore Trust in Congress Act was introduced in the House with co-sponsors Rep. Seth Magaziner, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rep. Chip Roy.
• It would bar members of Congress, their spouses, dependent children, and trustees from owning or trading individual stocks, securities, commodities, and futures, with 180 days for current members to divest and 90 days for new members.
• House leaders have not set the bill for a vote, though Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump have previously voiced support for prohibiting insider trading by members.
• Parallel efforts continue as advocates promote the HONEST Act, which would extend a trading ban to the president and vice president.
• A 2023 University of Maryland survey found about 86% of Americans support banning congressional stock trading, as critics argue the 2011 STOCK Act was later weakened.