Democrats Push to Ban Congressional Stock Trading Amid Bipartisan Resistance

House Democrats are mobilizing behind a discharge petition to force a vote on the Restore Trust in Congress Act, legislation that WOULD bar lawmakers and their immediate families from trading stocks. The move comes as opposition builds against a narrower bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).

Magaziner has separately introduced a more expansive version extending the ban to the president and vice president—a proposal endorsed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). The political calculus remains uncertain: even with unified Democratic support, at least five Republican votes would be needed to reach the 218-signature threshold.

The debate unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over lawmakers’ financial conflicts. Proponents argue the measure would restore public confidence, while critics warn of unintended consequences for market liquidity. Neither proposal currently addresses cryptocurrency holdings, leaving digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum outside the trading restrictions.