A new bill named after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aims to stop members of Congress and their families from engaging in stock market activities during their terms in office.

According to Breitbart, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri reintroduced the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act on Monday to the 119th U.S. Congress.

The legislation seeks to amend Chapter 131 of Title 5 of the United States Code to prevent lawmakers and their spouses from participating in stock market activities. This marks Hawley's second attempt to push the bill through Congress following its initial introduction in January 2023.

Senator Hawley's mission to restore public trust

The Missouri senator emphasizes that the bill aims to ensure Congress members prioritize their constituents' interests over personal financial gains. The proposed legislation gives lawmakers 180 days to comply with the new regulations once passed.

Those who fail to follow the rules would face monetary penalties and be required to surrender any stock profits to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The strict measures reflect growing concerns about potential conflicts of interest in Congress.

Hawley's statement reflects his determination to address public concerns about congressional stock trading:

Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve—not day trading at the expense of their constituents. Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public. It's time we ban all members of Congress from trading and holding stocks and restore Americans' trust in our nation's legislative body.

Trump's stance on congressional trading reform

President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for measures to restrict congressional stock trading. In a recent Time magazine interview, he specifically referenced Nancy Pelosi's situation.

Trump indicated he would "absolutely" sign legislation banning congressional stock trading if it reached his desk. His comments highlighted the broader political momentum building behind such reforms.

The president's remarks drew attention to previous controversies, particularly regarding Paul Pelosi's investment activities. These included a significant semiconductor stock purchase coinciding with related legislative developments.

Impact on current congressional practices

The PELOSI Act represents a significant shift in how elected officials would manage their financial portfolios while serving in Congress. The legislation's scope extends beyond individual lawmakers to include their family members.

The 180-day compliance period would force many current Congress members to restructure their investment strategies. This transition period aims to provide reasonable time for lawmakers to adjust their financial holdings.

The bill's enforcement mechanisms include both financial penalties and profit forfeitures, creating substantial deterrents against violations. These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to preventing potential conflicts of interest.

Next steps for congressional reform

The PELOSI Act, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley, aims to prevent members of Congress and their families from trading stocks during their terms in office. The legislation was reintroduced on Monday to address ongoing concerns about potential insider trading and conflicts of interest in Congress. If passed, the bill would require lawmakers to comply within 180 days or face penalties, including forfeiture of stock profits to the Treasury Department. With support from President Trump and growing public pressure for congressional reform, the legislation represents a significant step toward restoring public trust in legislative institutions.