A bipartisan coalition finally delivers what 86% of Americans demand: a complete ban on congressional stock trading that could end decades of insider profiteering by Washington elites.
Story Highlights
- Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI) introduce the Restore Trust in Congress Act with 16 bipartisan cosponsors
- Bill requires complete divestment from individual stocks by Congress members and their families with minimal exemptions
- Legislation includes strong enforcement mechanisms designed to close loopholes from the failed 2012 STOCK Act
- President Trump and congressional leadership from both parties express support for swift passage
Bipartisan Coalition Targets Congressional Self-Dealing
Representatives Chip Roy and Seth Magaziner launched the Restore Trust in Congress Act in September 2025, marking a significant push to eliminate conflicts of interest that have plagued lawmakers for decades. The legislation prohibits Members of Congress and their immediate families from trading individual stocks while serving in office. Roy emphasized the bill “balances compliance requirements without allowing loopholes,” addressing conservative concerns about government accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Strong Enforcement Provisions Close Existing Loopholes
The new legislation goes far beyond the ineffective 2012 STOCK Act, which merely required disclosure of trades without preventing potential insider trading. The Restore Trust in Congress Act mandates complete divestment from individual stock holdings, with limited exemptions for broad market investments like index funds. This approach directly addresses conservative frustrations with government officials enriching themselves through privileged access to market-moving information while ordinary Americans face economic hardships from poor policy decisions.
Overwhelming Public Support Drives Reform Movement
Recent polling shows 86% of Americans support banning congressional stock trading, reflecting widespread distrust in government institutions. The bipartisan nature of the legislation, including support from both progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and conservative Brian Fitzpatrick, demonstrates how this issue transcends typical partisan divisions. Representative Magaziner stated, “We must take a strong stand against corruption… this bipartisan bill is our best chance at finally getting it done.”
Legislative Momentum Builds Across Capitol Hill
The House introduction follows similar progress in the Senate, where committees have advanced parallel legislation earlier in 2025. Congressional leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump, have expressed support for the reform effort. This represents a victory for conservative principles of limited government and accountability, ensuring elected officials serve constituents rather than their investment portfolios. The bill awaits committee hearings and a potential floor vote that could finally deliver the transparency Americans demand.
Ethics watchdogs and advocacy groups strongly endorse the legislation as a critical step toward restoring institutional integrity. The reform addresses longstanding conservative concerns about government overreach and self-dealing, potentially setting a precedent for similar accountability measures at state and local levels throughout the nation.
Sources:
Press Release: Magaziner and Roy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Congressional Stock Trading
Introduction of Bipartisan Stock Trading Ban in the House
