### Senators Unite to Tackle Congressional Stock Trading Amid Public Outcry In a renewed effort to address the ethical concerns surrounding stock trading by lawmakers, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act. This legislation aims to prohibit members of Congress and their immediate families from trading or owning individual stocks, a move that reflects growing public discontent over perceived conflicts of interest and insider trading among elected officials. Gillibrand emphasized that "officials shouldn't be making money off the backs of the American people," highlighting the widespread support for such measures among the public [https://www.newser.com/story/382048/bipartisan-bill-again-seeks-to-end-lawmakers-stock-trades.html][https://www.observertoday.com/news/local-region/2026/01/gillibrand-announces-bipartisan-bill-to-ban-congressional-stock-trading.html]. ### Structure of the Legislative Push 1. **Bipartisan Collaboration**: Senators from both parties are working together to introduce legislation aimed at banning stock trading by Congress members. 2. **Public Support**: There is significant public backing for the initiative, with polls indicating that a large majority of Americans favor restrictions on stock trading by lawmakers. 3. **Competing Proposals**: The legislative landscape is complicated by various proposals in both the House and Senate, with some factions advocating for less stringent measures. 4. **Ethical Implications**: The push to ban stock trading is framed as a necessary step to restore public trust in Congress and eliminate potential conflicts of interest. ### Supporting Evidence and Public Sentiment - **Public Opinion**: Recent surveys indicate that approximately **86% of Americans** support a ban on stock trading by members of Congress, reflecting a strong consensus on the issue [https://www.dailypress.com/2026/01/11/column-stop-members-of-congress-from-trading-stocks.html]. - **Legislative Details**: The Restore Trust in Congress Act would specifically bar lawmakers and their spouses from trading or owning individual stocks, aiming to eliminate any potential for insider trading [https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestunson/2026/01/15/senators-introduce-restore-trust-in-congress-act-that-would-ban-stock-trading-in-congress.html]. - **Bipartisan Momentum**: The initiative has gained traction in both chambers of Congress, with various bills being introduced that reflect a growing bipartisan commitment to reform [https://www.apnews.com/article/stock-trading-ban-congress-lawmakers-b25f05f409738ced1269f1c171420b76]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Ethical Reform in Congress The introduction of the Restore Trust in Congress Act marks a significant step towards addressing the ethical concerns surrounding stock trading by lawmakers. 1. **Bipartisan Effort**: Senators Gillibrand and Moody's collaboration underscores a rare moment of unity in a polarized political landscape. 2. **Public Demand**: The overwhelming public support for such measures indicates a clear demand for ethical reform in Congress. 3. **Legislative Challenges**: Despite the momentum, the presence of competing proposals may complicate the path forward for comprehensive reform. 4. **Restoring Trust**: Ultimately, the success of this initiative could play a crucial role in restoring public trust in elected officials and the legislative process. The ongoing debate around stock trading by Congress members highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government, a sentiment echoed by both lawmakers and the American public [https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestunson/2026/01/15/bipartisan-effort-could-ban-members-of-congress-from-trading-stocks][https://www.syracuse.com/us-news/2026/01/senators-launch-cross-party-effort-to-end-stock-trading-by-congress-members.html].