Johnson Backs Stock Trading Ban, Vote Uncertain

House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly supported banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks to avoid the appearance of impropriety, but did not commit to holding a House vote on the matter, saying, 'we’ll see where we land.' Johnson acknowledged concerns about the financial pressures faced by lawmakers due to frozen congressional salaries since 2009. He reiterated a 'zero tolerance' policy for insider trading, citing abuses by a few members that have damaged Congress’s reputation. The proposed bipartisan bill would require lawmakers and their families to divest investments or place them in blind trusts, aiming to boost transparency and trust. The push for reform has gained momentum amid increased public scrutiny of lawmakers’ trades before major market events, though similar efforts have failed previously. The legislation currently enjoys broad bipartisan support, but its path forward in the House remains uncertain.