by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday barring members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing individual stocks while lawmakers remain in office.
The Stop Insider Trading Act passed 232–198, with 13 Democrats joining Republicans in support. The House clerk’s official tally showed one member voting present.
Under the bill, lawmakers, their spouses, and dependent children could retain stocks they already own but would be prohibited from purchasing new individual shares. They would also be required to provide public notice at least seven days before selling existing holdings. Broadly diversified funds and certain trust-held investments would remain exempt.
“For too long, Americans struggling to make ends meet have watched as lawmakers have entered office just to leave as multi-millionaires,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “This type of behavior is unacceptable and diminishes the American people’s trust in this institution.”
Johnson called the vote an important step toward restoring public confidence in Congress and America’s elections.
Democratic opponents argued that the legislation contains significant loopholes because it permits lawmakers to continue owning stocks purchased before the restrictions take effect. Many Democrats also objected to a voter-identification provision attached to the legislation.
The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where a separate proposal would impose broader restrictions covering members of Congress, their families, the president, and the vice president.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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