Alford’s Bill Targets Congressional Stock Trading with PELOSI Act Twin

WASHINGTON — Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) is set to unveil a bold legislative move on Wednesday, introducing a House bill that mirrors Sen. Josh Hawley’s "PELOSI Act" in the Senate, aiming to slam the brakes on congressional stock trading. This proposed law would bar lawmakers and their spouses from buying, selling, or holding individual stocks during their tenure, pushing them toward diversified investments like mutual funds, ETFs, or U.S. Treasury bonds.

Alford’s bill sets a tight 180-day window for current and newly elected lawmakers to comply, signaling a crackdown on what many see as a loophole for insider trading. "Public servants must uphold a higher ethical standard," Alford declared, pointing to suspicious trades that erode public trust. Violators would face stiff penalties, including surrendering profits to the U.S. Treasury and fines up to 10% of each illicit transaction, enforced by House or Senate ethics committees.

The push has surprising bipartisan momentum. President Donald Trump endorsed the ban in a recent Time Magazine interview, alleging former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi profited from insider knowledge. "If they send it to me, I’ll sign it," Trump said, a rare nod of agreement with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who also backs the proposal. The bill’s fate now hinges on whether Congress can prioritize public trust over personal gain.