Rep. Sykes Signs Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Stock Trading Ban for Top Federal Officials

Rep. Sykes Signs Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Stock Trading Ban for Top Federal Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) has signed a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Restore Trust in Government Act, a bill that would ban stock trading by the president, vice president, members of Congress, and their immediate family members while in office.

The legislation is aimed at closing the door on conflicts of interest by stopping elected officials and top government leaders from trading individual stocks while they make decisions to affect the economy. It allows limited exceptions, including diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, U.S. Treasury securities, state and municipal bonds, and family farms tied directly to the farming operation.

The legislation also requires officials to sell prohibited holdings within set timelines, strengthens enforcement and transparency, applies the rules to all trustees, blocks tax write-offs tied to illegal trades, and prevents campaign funds from being used to pay penalties.

"This is about drawing a clear line," said Rep. Sykes. "People should never have to wonder whether lawmakers or the White House are making decisions for the country or for their own portfolios. If you're in a position of public trust, there shouldn't be loopholes, special carve-outs, or different rules for powerful people. The American people expect better, and Congress should act like it."