Us Congress House Bill HB3182

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/5/25
• Refer: 5/5/25

Caption

To amend title 5, United States Code, to prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses from trading stock, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would implement strict regulations on the financial activities of Congress members and their spouses. Members would not be allowed to hold or trade covered financial instruments, which include securities, commodities, and any similar economic interests acquired through synthetic means. However, there are exceptions for instruments that members or their spouses owned before taking office and those held in qualified blind trusts. The introduction of this bill reflects an attempt by lawmakers to address prevalent public concerns about the ethical implications of financial dealings by public officials.

Summary

House Bill 3182 seeks to amend title 5 of the United States Code by prohibiting Members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks and engaging in transactions involving certain financial instruments while they are in office. This legislative initiative addresses concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of Congress. By restricting stock trading, the bill proposes to limit the opportunities for elected officials to benefit financially from non-public information that comes from their legislative duties.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 3182 highlight significant viewpoints on the balance between necessary regulations and the rights of Congress members. Some proponents argue that restrictions on stock trading will help reduce corruption and promote public trust in government, suggesting that it will ensure that lawmakers focus on their responsibilities without the temptation of personal financial gain. Conversely, there are concerns from some members that such restrictions could infringe upon their financial autonomy and create difficulties in managing personal investments.