Bill would bar lawmakers and spouses from trading individual stocks

What does this do?

The bill would bar members of Congress and their spouses from buying, selling, or holding individual stocks and similar investments while in office. Exceptions include diversified mutual funds, ETFs, Treasury bonds, and a spouse's own job income. Members would get 180 days to sell off banned holdings, must certify compliance yearly, and violations trigger loss of profits plus recurring fines.

Who does it affect?

Sitting members of Congress and their spouses; enforced by House and Senate ethics committees, with GAO auditing compliance after two years.

Why does it matter?

The change would reshape how lawmakers manage personal finances while serving, aiming to reduce conflicts of interest between official duties and financial holdings, though it does not directly affect the public.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Forfeit any profits made
• fine of 10% of value
• charged every 30 days