Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin, is introducing legislation that would prevent lawmakers from cashing in on individual stocks.
The move is part of an effort to restore trust in Congress, with a primary complaint being that lawmakers are allowed to trade individual stocks and become rich, while subtly influencing the market with legislation.
“If you want to trade stocks, you should go to Wall Street, not to Capitol Hill. I think we have an opportunity here to dramatically improve America’s trust in Congress,” he told Fox Business’s Maria Bartiromo. “Ultimately, what this will do is prevent any member from ever profiting off of insider information on individual trades in stocks. I think this is a great opportunity. I think we’re going to see broad support.”
The “Stop Insider Trading Act” would not only prevent Congress members from buying individual stocks, but it would also require them to issue an advance notice ahead of a sale.
“Steil’s bill joins a long line of similar proposals dating back more than a decade, including the most recent version of the bipartisan ‘Restore Trust in Congress Act,’ which was introduced in September 2025,” Fox Business reported.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, opposes Steil’s bill on the grounds that it doesn’t go far enough, and is calling for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s “Restore Trust in Congress Act” to be advanced.
“Any bill that still allows Members of Congress to own and trade stocks falls far short of what the American people want and deserve. We are disappointed that the bill introduced by Republican leadership today fails to deliver the reform that is needed and instead protects the wealthiest Members of Congress by allowing them to continue to hold and sell stock,” the Democrat said in a statement. “While this bill prohibits Members from buying new stocks, it does nothing to remove the conflict of interest that arises from owning or selling existing stocks. Members can still act on legislation, investigations, and briefings that directly influence the value of their stocks for personal benefit.”
X users reacted to the proposal:
it would be about time and I bet they stop signing up for all of those committees now as well.
— In4Profit (@in4profit) January 12, 2026
Morally reprehensible for members of Congress to profit from their public service
— Russell Milicia (@MiliciaRussell) January 12, 2026
Shitbags will find away around it !!!
— Michael Anthony (@Michael34952) January 12, 2026
If you’re writing the laws, you shouldn’t get to bet on how they turn out. No more insider plays — you serve the people or step aside. 🇺🇸💼 #NoMoreSwamp
— The Dark Knight (@Andrew35487355) January 12, 2026
You shouldn’t be able to enrich yourself on insider info
— zzzyp (@zzzzz308) January 12, 2026
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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