Bill · H.R. 3182· House(119-HR-3182)
To amend title 5, United States Code, to prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses from trading stock, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 5/5/2025
- Last activity
- 5/5/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Bresnahan
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code to restrict how Members of Congress and their spouses handle certain investments. It prohibits these individuals from holding, purchasing, or selling "covered financial instruments" during their term of service. Covered instruments include securities, security futures, commodities, or similar economic interests like derivatives. However, the bill allows for exceptions such as diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, Thrift Savings Plan investments, and U.S. Treasury securities. It also provides exceptions for assets owned prior to the start of a Member's term and those held in qualified blind trusts.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill enhances transparency and public trust by prohibiting Members of Congress from trading certain securities.
Does this limit the influence of paid lobbyists?+5
By restricting individual stock trading, the bill reduces the potential for specialized financial lobbying and influence.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on specific investments: The bill prohibits Members of Congress and their spouses from holding or trading in certain securities, futures, commodities, or derivatives (Section 13152(a)). This limits their ability to engage in specific types of financial transactions during their service.
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Protection of existing assets: The law allows Members and their spouses to keep covered financial instruments that they owned immediately before their term of service began (Section 13152(b)(1)).
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Use of blind trusts: The bill permits the use of qualified blind trusts to hold covered financial instruments, allowing for management without direct control by the Member or spouse (Section 13152(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial penalties: Members of Congress who violate these rules by holding or conducting transactions with covered financial instruments may be subject to a civil fine (Section 13152(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Reduces Lobbying+5
- 5/5/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Introduced in House