Rep Bryan Steil Introduces Innovative Stop Insider Trading Act Legislation
Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss introducing the Stop Insider Trading Act and the DOJ investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
A Republican lawmaker has recently introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting members of Congress from trading individual stocks. This initiative is framed as a crucial step toward restoring public trust and eliminating the perception of profiting from insider information on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., discussed the “Stop Insider Trading Act” on “Mornings with Maria,” emphasizing that the bill would not only ban members of Congress from purchasing individual stocks but also require them to provide advance public notice before any sales.
“If you want to trade stocks, you should go to Wall Street, not Capitol Hill. I believe we have an opportunity here to significantly enhance America’s trust in Congress,” he stated during his appearance on FOX Business with host Maria Bartiromo.
Steil further explained, “Ultimately, this will prevent any member from profiting off insider information related to individual stock trades. I think this is a great opportunity, and I anticipate broad support for this measure.”
Rep. Bryan Steil arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2025. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the stock-trading crackdown legislation. The report indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and GOP leadership are in favor of the measure, alongside several Republican lawmakers who have previously sought to restrict stock trading by Congress members.
Steil’s proposal is part of a long history of similar legislative efforts dating back over a decade, including the recent bipartisan “Restore Trust in Congress Act,” introduced in September 2025.
A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 12, 2026. (Angela Weiss/AFP via / Getty Images)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., expressed criticism of Steil’s bill on Monday afternoon, arguing that it falls short of necessary reforms.
She urged Speaker Johnson to advance the “Restore Trust in Congress Act,” highlighting its broad support among lawmakers.
“Any bill that still allows Members of Congress to own and trade stocks falls far short of what the American people want and deserve. We are disappointed that the bill introduced by Republican leadership today fails to deliver the reform that is needed and instead protects the wealthiest Members of Congress by allowing them to continue to hold and sell stock,” Ocasio-Cortez stated.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a news conference on banning stock trades for members of Congress on Capitol Hill, April 7, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)
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“While this bill prohibits Members from buying new stocks, it does nothing to remove the conflict of interest that arises from owning or selling existing stocks,” she explained. “Members can still act on legislation, investigations, and briefings that directly influence the value of their stocks for personal benefit.”
Steil expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, stating on “Mornings with Maria” that he expects it to move swiftly through the House Administration Committee.
Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss introducing the Stop Insider Trading Act and the DOJ investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
A Republican lawmaker has recently introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting members of Congress from trading individual stocks. This initiative is framed as a crucial step toward restoring public trust and eliminating the perception of profiting from insider information on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., discussed the “Stop Insider Trading Act” on “Mornings with Maria,” emphasizing that the bill would not only ban members of Congress from purchasing individual stocks but also require them to provide advance public notice before any sales.
“If you want to trade stocks, you should go to Wall Street, not Capitol Hill. I believe we have an opportunity here to significantly enhance America’s trust in Congress,” he stated during his appearance on FOX Business with host Maria Bartiromo.
Steil further explained, “Ultimately, this will prevent any member from profiting off insider information related to individual stock trades. I think this is a great opportunity, and I anticipate broad support for this measure.”
Rep. Bryan Steil arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2025. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the stock-trading crackdown legislation. The report indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and GOP leadership are in favor of the measure, alongside several Republican lawmakers who have previously sought to restrict stock trading by Congress members.
Steil’s proposal is part of a long history of similar legislative efforts dating back over a decade, including the recent bipartisan “Restore Trust in Congress Act,” introduced in September 2025.
A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 12, 2026. (Angela Weiss/AFP via / Getty Images)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., expressed criticism of Steil’s bill on Monday afternoon, arguing that it falls short of necessary reforms.
She urged Speaker Johnson to advance the “Restore Trust in Congress Act,” highlighting its broad support among lawmakers.
“Any bill that still allows Members of Congress to own and trade stocks falls far short of what the American people want and deserve. We are disappointed that the bill introduced by Republican leadership today fails to deliver the reform that is needed and instead protects the wealthiest Members of Congress by allowing them to continue to hold and sell stock,” Ocasio-Cortez stated.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a news conference on banning stock trades for members of Congress on Capitol Hill, April 7, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“While this bill prohibits Members from buying new stocks, it does nothing to remove the conflict of interest that arises from owning or selling existing stocks,” she explained. “Members can still act on legislation, investigations, and briefings that directly influence the value of their stocks for personal benefit.”
Steil expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, stating on “Mornings with Maria” that he expects it to move swiftly through the House Administration Committee.
