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Congress Moves Toward Permanent Stock Trading Ban

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ss-moves-toward-permanent-stock-trading-ban.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 23:24 GMT by breitbart.com
      Locales: District of Columbia, Wisconsin, Virginia, UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON - February 13th, 2026 - Representative Bryan Steil (R-WI) is spearheading a renewed and increasingly likely-to-succeed bipartisan push to permanently prohibit members of Congress and their immediate families from engaging in individual stock trading. The effort, formalized in the 'Stop Trading on Non-Public Information Act,' aims to address long-standing concerns about potential conflicts of interest and restore public trust in the legislative branch.

The issue of congressional stock trading has simmered for years, but gained significant traction in recent times due to a series of publicized instances where lawmakers' trades appeared to coincide with, and potentially benefit from, non-public information. While existing regulations require members to disclose their trades, critics argue these disclosures are insufficient to prevent abuse and that the appearance of impropriety erodes public confidence in government.

"It's time to put a stop to this. We need to restore trust in the institution," Rep. Steil told Breitbart News in an exclusive report, a sentiment echoed by a growing number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "Congress should be held to a higher standard. The rules should be clear, and they should be enforced. This bill ensures that members of Congress are not using their positions to benefit themselves or their families."

The 'Stop Trading on Non-Public Information Act' goes further than previous attempts at reform. Early drafts of similar legislation often included sunset provisions, meaning the ban would expire after a set period. Steil, however, is adamant that a permanent ban is the only viable solution. "We're getting rid of the sunset," he stated. "This needs to be permanent, and we need to make sure that we're not going to have these problems going forward." This commitment to permanence signifies a desire to decisively address the issue, rather than offer a temporary fix that could be revisited and potentially undermined in the future.

The impetus behind this legislative push stems from increasing public outrage. Social media platforms have been rife with examples of questionable trading activity by members of Congress, often coinciding with committee hearings or pending legislation that could impact specific companies. This has fueled a narrative of elitism and self-serving behavior, prompting calls for stricter oversight and accountability. Several watchdog groups have dedicated resources to tracking congressional trades and highlighting potential conflicts of interest. [ See examples of watchdog group reports here ].

The bill's scope extends beyond just members of Congress themselves, encompassing their immediate family members. This is a crucial element, as critics point out that spouses and children can easily be used to circumvent regulations if only the lawmaker is directly prohibited from trading. By including family members, the bill aims to close this loophole and ensure a more comprehensive ban.

However, the path to passage isn't without its obstacles. The legislation is expected to encounter resistance in the Senate, where securing bipartisan support can be challenging. Concerns have been raised about the practicality of enforcement and the potential impact on members' personal financial portfolios. Some argue that a complete ban is overly restrictive and that stricter disclosure requirements, coupled with enhanced enforcement of existing insider trading laws, would be sufficient. [ Read analysis of potential Senate hurdles here ].

Despite these challenges, Steil remains optimistic. "There's significant momentum behind this bill," he asserted. "I think we have a very good chance of getting it passed this year." This optimism is likely fueled by the growing bipartisan support and the increasing public pressure to address the issue. Several senators from both parties have indicated their willingness to consider the bill, and a coalition of advocacy groups is actively lobbying for its passage.

The potential implications of a permanent ban are far-reaching. Beyond restoring public trust, it could also level the playing field and reduce the incentive for lawmakers to prioritize personal financial gain over the public interest. Some experts suggest it could lead to a more transparent and accountable government, where decisions are made solely on the merits, rather than influenced by potential financial benefits. [ Explore potential benefits of the ban here ].

The coming months will be critical as the 'Stop Trading on Non-Public Information Act' moves through the legislative process. While challenges remain, the growing momentum and bipartisan support suggest that a permanent ban on congressional stock trading may finally be within reach. The nation watches closely, hoping for a decisive step towards restoring faith in its elected officials.