The effort to ban congressional stock trading has gained steam in recent months.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have introduced a range of bills tackling the issue, as congressional leadership has supported the idea in principle.
So far, no bill has been brought to the floor, and supporters have expressed skepticism that such a measure can pass Congress.
Here’s a look at where the efforts stand and how they might influence the outcome of this debate.
Why Now?
The interest in members’ stock trading is a recent phenomenon. Members of Congress are required to file financial disclosures that detail their assets, including their stock portfolios. With the internet, online activists, traders, and others have been able to track in near-real-time the trades made by members….
What to Know About Efforts to Ban Congressional Stock Trading

