Tensions are rising inside the Republican Party as President Donald Trump publicly pushes Congress to pass a stock trading ban — and some House Republicans are growing frustrated that action hasn’t come fast enough.
For years, Americans have questioned whether members of Congress should be allowed to buy and sell individual stocks while crafting legislation that directly impacts financial markets. Now, with Trump calling for reform during his State of the Union address, pressure is mounting on House leadership to deliver.
Trump Calls for Congressional Stock Trading Ban “Without Delay”
During his national address, President Trump urged lawmakers to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act immediately, signaling that restoring trust in government remains a top priority of his administration.
The proposed legislation, advanced by House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing new individual stocks. However, it allows them to keep stocks they already own.
Despite clearing committee, the bill has yet to reach the House floor — a delay that has sparked frustration among several Republicans.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) called the issue “long overdue,” pointing to bipartisan support and overwhelming public approval for a congressional stock trading ban.
“When you have bipartisan backing and the president publicly calling for action, why hasn’t it come up for a vote?” Fitzpatrick asked.
Growing Frustration Inside the GOP
Some Republicans believe the current proposal does not go far enough.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) expressed doubts that the Senate would pass the House version even if it clears the chamber. He also criticized Washington’s slow pace on reform.
“Glaciers sprint past Congress,” Burchett remarked, highlighting the frustration many voters feel about government inaction.
At the same time, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) strongly supported Trump’s call, posting online: “PASS THE STOP INSIDER TRADING ACT NOW!”
Her message reflects growing grassroots pressure from Republican voters who want stronger accountability in Washington.
Razor-Thin Majority Raises Stakes
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is navigating an extremely narrow 218–214 majority in the House. That means he can afford virtually no defections if Democrats oppose the bill — which they are expected to do.
Democrats argue that any stock trading ban must also apply to the president, vice president, and members of the executive branch. Their proposal would expand the restrictions beyond Congress.
Meanwhile, Republicans are debating whether incremental reform is better than allowing the issue to stall again.
Fitzpatrick has indicated he would support Steil’s bill as a step forward, even if it does not fully resolve the problem.
A Trust Issue for American Voters
For many Americans — especially older voters who have watched Washington politics for decades — the issue goes beyond party lines. It’s about fairness, transparency, and restoring trust in public service.
Should lawmakers be allowed to trade individual stocks while overseeing policies that influence the markets?
President Trump has made his position clear: Congress should act.
Now the spotlight turns to House Republicans. Will they move quickly and pass the Stop Insider Trading Act? Will they expand it? Or will internal divisions slow the effort?
With public support strong and the president applying pressure, the debate over a congressional stock trading ban is unlikely to fade anytime soon.