House Seeks Vote on Lawmakers’ Stock Trading Ban
Market statistics are displayed on a screen as traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell on June 13, 2025, in New York City. Oil prices soared and stocks sank Friday after Israel launched strikes on nuclear and military sites in Iran, stoking fears of a full-blown war. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
A bipartisan proposal introduced by Representative Anna Paulina Luna and others last month to restrict members of Congress from certain financial activities has gained traction. The measure, known as the “Restore Trust in Congress Act,” filed Tuesday via discharge petition aims to compel a vote despite Republican leadership.
Luna led an effort urging House leaders for months to support such action but was unsuccessful until filing this request. Her petition specifically targets prohibiting insider trading among lawmakers and their immediate relatives, citing concerns about corruption.
The proposal has drawn broad attention particularly after reports showed some officials experienced notable gains during market fluctuations not explained by publicly available information or standard investment strategies. Bipartisan interest in the issue continues to grow despite challenges from opponents who argue for maintaining financial flexibility amid stagnant pay raises since 2013.
A procedural tool used to bypass committee obstruction, the discharge petition requires co-sponsorship and will need signatures from members before leadership action becomes necessary.
