Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2678

Introduced
4/18/23  

Caption

Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

Impact

The bill amends existing legislation by introducing new requirements for Members of Congress regarding their financial investments. Upon enactment, Members will be obligated to certify that they have divested or placed their investments in qualified blind trusts to ensure transparency and accountability. This change is expected to directly affect the financial dealings of Congress members, fostering a more transparent environment and potentially reducing insider trading allegations.

Summary

House Bill 2678, titled the 'Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act,' aims to prohibit Members of Congress, along with their spouses and dependent children, from trading and owning stocks. The bill seeks to enhance the ethical standards governing financial practices within the legislative branch to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust. The legislation stipulates that such covered investments must be placed in qualified blind trusts or divested within specified timeframes to avoid any personal gain from legislative actions related to the stock market.

Contention

Despite the bill's intention to improve ethical standards, there is debate surrounding its implications. Supporters argue that it serves as a necessary step towards ensuring integrity within Congress, while detractors may express concerns about the practical enforcement of such regulations. Questions have been raised about how effectively the bill can prevent unethical behavior and whether it might impose undue restrictions on the financial freedoms of lawmakers. Additionally, the provisions regarding divestiture timelines and the establishment of blind trusts could be points of contention in legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

US SB1171

Same As Ending Trading and Holdings In Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

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