Senator Cassidy Calls for Ban on Congressional Stock Trading

Cassidy pens op-ed highlighting his Stop Insider Trading Act to restore faith in Congress

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty congressional hearing room, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting an air of solemnity and contemplation over the space.As public trust in Congress erodes, a proposal to ban lawmakers from trading stocks aims to restore faith in the institution.Washington Today

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has written an op-ed in the Daily Wire calling for a ban on members of Congress and their families from trading individual stocks. Cassidy's proposed Stop Insider Trading Act aims to restore public trust in Congress by preventing lawmakers from potentially profiting off insider information.

Why it matters

Concerns over potential conflicts of interest and insider trading by members of Congress have eroded public confidence in the institution. Cassidy's proposal to ban congressional stock trading is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability in government.

The details

In his op-ed, Cassidy argues that allowing lawmakers to trade individual stocks creates the perception of self-interest and undermines the public's faith in Congress. His Stop Insider Trading Act would prohibit members of Congress and their immediate family members from buying or selling individual stocks while in office.

  • Cassidy penned the op-ed on April 9, 2026.
  • President Trump highlighted the need to ban congressional stock trading in his 2026 State of the Union address.

The players

Bill Cassidy

U.S. Senator from Louisiana and author of the Stop Insider Trading Act.

President Trump

The former U.S. president who called for a ban on congressional stock trading in his 2026 State of the Union address.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Cassidy's Stop Insider Trading Act will now be considered by Congress, where it faces an uncertain path to passage given partisan divides.

The takeaway

Cassidy's proposal to ban congressional stock trading is part of a broader effort to restore public trust in government institutions. If enacted, the law could help mitigate perceptions of self-interest and insider dealing among lawmakers.