In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, both chambers of Congress have passed legislation prohibiting members of Congress and their spouses from trading individual stocks while in office.
What the Bill Requires
The TRUST Act requires all members to divest individual stock holdings within 180 days or place them in a qualified blind trust. Violators face fines equal to their monthly salary for each infraction.
- 180-day divestiture deadline
- Applies to members and immediate family
- Blind trust requirement for existing holdings
- Monthly salary fine per violation
Political Reactions
The bill passed the Senate 78-22 and the House 345-88. Public polling shows 86% of Americans support the ban, making it one of the most popular pieces of legislation in decades.
