Nearly 100 former lawmakers call on House to ban stock trading by members of Congress, and it’s certainly a topic that’s sparking a lot of discussion. The very fact that this many former members are speaking out says something, doesn’t it? It feels like a late realization, a collective “hindsight is 20/20” moment. It’s a bit of a cliché, the “I got mine, now pull up the ladder” mentality, but there’s a definite whiff of that in the air. These are people who, by virtue of having been “former,” are no longer directly benefiting from the system they’re criticizing. It’s easy to advocate for change when you’re not personally affected by it anymore.… Continue reading
Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Joe Neguse introduced the Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025, proposing a lifetime ban on former members of Congress becoming lobbyists. The legislation also includes stricter transparency measures, significantly increasing penalties for Lobbying Disclosure Act violations. The bill aims to prohibit senior congressional staff from lobbying for six years after leaving service and would create a public database of lobbyists. Furthermore, the legislation would restrict hiring lobbyists or foreign agents in congressional offices with previous lobbying contact, with an increase in civil penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
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Analysis of financial disclosures reveals numerous instances of well-timed stock trades by high-ranking executive branch officials and congressional aides coinciding with significant government announcements, particularly those related to President Trump’s tariffs. While no evidence suggests insider trading, these transactions raise ethical concerns, as they erode public trust in both government and market integrity. Ethics experts advocate for stricter regulations governing the financial activities of federal employees to mitigate potential conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety. The lack of transparency surrounding these trades further underscores the need for increased oversight.
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Jeffries’s recent endorsement of a stock trading ban for members of Congress follows closely on the heels of Representative Greene’s seemingly lucrative market maneuvering. The timing is undeniably suggestive, prompting serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for greater transparency in government dealings.
The stark contrast between Representative Greene’s reported substantial increase in net worth since entering Congress and the seemingly ordinary financial backgrounds of most representatives fuels public concern. This significant financial gain, achieved within a relatively short period, raises eyebrows and invites scrutiny. It highlights the inherent conflict between personal financial interests and the responsibility of public service.… Continue reading
The Stop Politicians Profiting from War Act, reintroduced by Congresswoman Tlaib, prohibits members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents from holding financial interests in companies contracting with the Department of Defense. This legislation addresses concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as over 50 members of Congress currently own stock in defense contractors. The bill aims to prevent the enrichment of lawmakers through war funding and the resulting massive profits of defense contractors, totaling over $85 billion in the last three years from taxpayer money. Numerous organizations support the bill, highlighting the ethical implications of this practice.
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President Biden, in a recent interview, publicly endorsed a congressional stock trading ban for the first time, stating that lawmakers should not profit from the stock market during their tenure. This long-debated proposal, despite gaining bipartisan momentum with a Senate committee passing a bill in July, faces an uncertain future with the current Congress nearing its end. Biden’s statement highlights the ethical concerns surrounding potential conflicts of interest, arguing that such trading undermines public trust. The President’s support, while potentially impactful, may not be enough to overcome legislative hurdles before the session concludes.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker