HR 5106 · 119th CongressIntroduced

Ban members of Congress from owning stocks

Vote

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Donor money

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Money gap

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Summary

What the bill does

This bill would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading stocks, bonds, commodities, and similar investments. They would have to sell any such investments within 180 days (or 90 days for new members). Exceptions include diversified mutual funds, Treasury bonds, and small businesses. Violators would pay a 10% fine and give up any profits.

Why it matters

The stakes

Lawmakers make decisions that can affect the value of stocks and other investments. This bill aims to prevent any appearance that they are using their position for personal financial gain.

The vote

How the chamber split

Vote totals will appear when a roll-call is available.

The debate

What each side says

Supporters

Members of Congress should not be able to profit from inside information or decisions they make that affect stock prices.bill
The ban would help restore public trust in Congress by ensuring lawmakers are focused on the public interest, not their own portfolios.report
Spouses and dependents are included to prevent loopholes where stocks are held by family members.bill

Critics

The ban is too broad and could force members to sell investments they have no control over, such as those held in a family trust.bill
It may discourage qualified people from running for Congress if they have to give up their investments.report

Each point links to its source. The views are attributed to those sources, not stated as ours.

Money lens

Sector money by vote

The money lens appears when a bill has a recorded vote and matching sector PAC data.

Contributions and votes are public records, shown side by side. Correlation is not causation, and this page does not assert one caused the other.