Washington D.C. - Representative Mark Alford (R-MO) has introduced a bill to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. The legislation, unveiled on Wednesday, seeks to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest and insider trading. The proposed ban mirrors the "PELOSI Act," a similar bill introduced in the Senate.
The bill aims to prevent lawmakers from using non-public information gained through their official duties for personal financial gain. It would require members of Congress to either divest their individual stock holdings or place them in a blind trust. Proponents of the bill argue that it will increase transparency and restore public trust in government.
"The American people deserve to know that their elected officials are working for them, not their own portfolios," said Representative Alford in a statement. "This bill will ensure that members of Congress are focused on serving the public interest, rather than lining their own pockets."
The legislation faces an uncertain future in Congress, but it reflects growing bipartisan support for stricter ethics rules for elected officials. Similar proposals have been introduced in both the House and Senate in recent years, highlighting the increasing awareness of the issue. The debate over congressional stock trading is expected to continue in the coming months.
Rep. Alford Proposes Stock Trading Ban for Congress
Representative Mark Alford introduced a bill to prohibit members of Congress from trading stocks. The proposed legislation mirrors the "PELOSI Act" in the Senate, aiming to prevent potential conflicts of interest. If passed, the ban would apply to both House and Senate members, promoting greater transparency and public trust. This move reflects ongoing efforts to address concerns about insider trading and ethical conduct among elected officials.