Lawmakers Fight Over Stock Trading Ban
Washington, D.C. — Florida Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna is taking bold action to restore trust in government by spearheading a movement to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks — a move that’s long overdue and overwhelmingly supported by the American people.
Luna is preparing to file a discharge petition, a powerful legislative tool that can force a House vote even without the approval of party leadership. The goal? End the self-serving stock trades that have enriched too many in Congress while everyday Americans struggle with inflation, high taxes, and uncertainty.
“Lawmakers have no business trading individual stocks when they’re privy to confidential information that the public doesn’t have,” Luna stated. “Even if it’s technically legal, Americans recognize it as a serious breach of trust.”
With Congress on summer break until September, the timing of this announcement is generating major headlines. Luna’s petition will need support from at least 217 lawmakers to bring it to the House floor. Given the public pressure and bipartisan frustration, many believe momentum is on her side.
Why This Matters to You
For years, lawmakers have used their inside knowledge — from classified briefings to economic forecasts — to make suspiciously well-timed stock trades. While it’s technically illegal to trade on insider information, enforcement is weak and consequences are often non-existent.
The 2012 STOCK Act requires disclosure of stock trades within 30 days, but watchdog groups say it’s riddled with loopholes and fails to address clear ethical concerns. Critics argue it’s little more than a Band-Aid on a broken system.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
Luna’s push comes after the House Ethics Committee recently found that Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) violated House rules when his wife bought stock in Cleveland-Cliffs — a company operating in Kelly’s district — just before a major announcement that would boost its value. The information was not yet public when the trade occurred.
Although the committee didn’t accuse Kelly of intentional wrongdoing, the damage to public perception was already done.
Speaker Mike Johnson: “The System Has Been Abused”
Even House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) agrees that it’s time for reform.
“I support a ban on members trading stocks,” Johnson said. “The American people shouldn’t have to wonder whether lawmakers are serving them — or their own financial interests.”
Johnson did express concern about congressional salaries being frozen since 2009, which may discourage qualified Americans from seeking office. But in his words:
“On balance, we probably should ban it. A few bad actors have discolored the entire institution.”
Public Support Is Overwhelming — So Why the Delay?
Despite widespread public outrage and a near-vote in 2021, Congress has failed to pass meaningful legislation. Some lawmakers claim they weren’t included in the process, while others worry about financial hardship without stock trading privileges.
Still, trust in government is at historic lows, and voters are demanding action.
Even House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has come around on the issue. His support followed a report showing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) made large trades right before President Trump paused tariffs — causing the stock market to jump.
The Bottom Line: Americans Deserve Accountability
This isn’t a left or right issue — it’s a common sense issue. The American people are fed up with double standards and backroom deals. If working-class Americans can’t trade on inside info without going to jail, why should lawmakers get a pass?
Rep. Luna’s push is about restoring integrity, rebuilding trust, and reminding Congress who they work for: We the People.
