Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7264

Introduced
2/6/24  
Refer
2/6/24  

Caption

Stop Politicians Profiting from War Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will significantly reshape the financial engagement rules for Congressional members regarding the defense sector. The bill stipulates that any Congress member or their family members must divest assets in covered defense contractors, establishing strict timelines for compliance. Current Congress members would have 120 days from the enactment to divest such assets, while newly elected members would have 180 days to do so. The implications of this law are expected to foster greater integrity among lawmakers, ensuring that their financial interests do not influence legislative decisions involving national defense.

Summary

House Bill 7264, titled the 'Stop Politicians Profiting from War Act of 2024', seeks to prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading or owning certain stocks related to the defense industry. The bill aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that may arise when lawmakers have financial ties to defense contractors, especially during periods of military engagement.

Contention

This bill may face contention regarding the scope and enforcement of its provisions. Critics might argue that the legislation could overreach by imposing significant financial burdens on lawmakers and their families. Moreover, defining what constitutes a 'covered defense contractor' and the enforcement mechanisms might raise legal questions and concerns about the fairness of the penalties—which can include civil fines of up to $50,000 for violations. Proponents may argue that this is a necessary measure to restore public trust in governance and prevent the exploitation of conflicts of interest related to national security matters.

Companion Bills

US HB1679

Related Bipartisan Ban on Congressional Stock Ownership Act of 2023

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