Washington, D.C. – Republicans are rallying behind sweeping legislation to prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks, dubbing it the “Pelosi Act” in a pointed nod to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial portfolio gains. The bill, spearheaded by Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Matt Gaetz, gained momentum on December 20, 2025, with committee hearings scheduled for early 2026, aiming to curb what critics call legalized insider trading on Capitol Hill.
The measure would require lawmakers, spouses, and dependent children to divest individual stocks within 180 days or place them in blind trusts, banning future purchases. Violations could trigger fines up to $50,000 and ethics probes. Hawley framed it as restoring public trust: “Congress shouldn’t be a stock-picking club profiting off secrets the American people don’t have.” The “Pelosi Act” moniker stems from reports of Pelosi’s husband Paul trading millions in tech options, yielding returns that outperformed many hedge funds—fueling bipartisan outrage over perceived conflicts.
Momentum builds amid Trump’s second term, where ethics reform ranks high on the GOP agenda. A coalition of 50 House Republicans and 12 senators has co-sponsored, with some Democrats like Sen. Jon Ossoff signaling openness after past failed attempts. Public pressure is intense: Polls show 85% of Americans favor a ban, viewing congressional trading as a symbol of elite privilege.
Opponents warn of unintended consequences—deterring talented candidates or complicating family finances—but supporters counter that public service demands sacrifice. As hearings loom, the Pelosi Act could finally close a loophole that’s enriched lawmakers for decades, or falter like prior bills. In a Congress eager to shed “swamp” labels, this reform tests whether self-policing can prevail.
