Democrats Address Stock Trading
House Democrats are preparing a procedural maneuver aimed at forcing a vote on legislation that would prohibit stock trading by members of Congress and top executive branch officials — a move that comes amid growing public frustration over ethics in Washington.
Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island said House Democrats intend to file a discharge petition next month, an uncommon procedural move that would circumvent leadership and force a vote on stalled legislation.
According to reports, the proposal would bar members of Congress, the president, the vice president, and their immediate family members from buying, selling, or owning individual stocks while in office.
Previous Bipartisan Effort Faced Pushback
Magaziner previously partnered with Rep. Chip Roy of Texas on the Restore Trust in Congress Act, which focused specifically on lawmakers, their spouses, dependent children, and trustees.
That earlier bill would have prohibited elected officials from trading individual stocks but did not extend the same restrictions to the executive branch.
Democrats objected to that limitation, arguing that any serious reform should apply equally to lawmakers and the White House.
New Proposal Expands Scope to Executive Branch
The updated effort would include the president and vice president — a change Magaziner says has the support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
To succeed, the discharge petition would need signatures from at least five Republicans, assuming Democrats unite behind the measure.
Magaziner suggested Republican support could grow later in the year, particularly among members who have already passed their primary elections or plan to retire.
“I think it’s possible that some Republicans could support a bill that also includes the president and vice president,” Magaziner said, noting that political pressures tend to ease as election timelines shift.
Separate Republican-Led Petition Already Underway
Meanwhile, a separate effort is already gaining traction.
Earlier this month, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida filed her own discharge petition aimed at banning stock trading by members of Congress and their immediate families.
Luna had warned for months that she would pursue procedural action if House leadership failed to move forward.
“Because of the lack of action from the House, we are initiating a discharge petition to ban insider trading,” Luna said in a video statement. “If leadership wants to advance a serious bill that ends this behavior, we support it.”
So far, 15 Republicans and 57 Democrats have signed onto Luna’s petition, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over financial conflicts of interest in Washington.
Growing Pressure for Accountability in Washington
Magaziner has said he supports both discharge petitions, signaling increased pressure on congressional leadership to address stock trading by elected officials.
The issue has remained a top concern for voters across the political spectrum, particularly older Americans who expect higher ethical standards from those in public office.
Whether either petition reaches the floor remains uncertain, but the renewed push highlights ongoing debate over transparency, trust, and accountability in the nation’s capital.
