AOC Joins GOP Lawmakers in Renewed Push to Ban Stock Trading by Members of Congress
The issue of whether members of Congress should be allowed to trade individual stocks while in office has returned to the spotlight — and this time, one of the most progressive Democrats in Washington is joining forces with conservatives to demand change.
On Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) surprised many of her Democratic colleagues when she appeared alongside several Republican lawmakers to call for a bipartisan ban on congressional stock trading. Standing at the podium with Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), AOC emphasized that restoring public trust in government requires lawmakers to put the interests of ordinary Americans above their own financial gains.
This latest push comes as lawmakers prepare to vote on the PELOSI Act — a proposal named after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who, together with her husband Paul Pelosi, has long been criticized for amassing a fortune estimated at more than $245 million, much of it tied to stock trades that consistently beat the market.
A Rare Bipartisan Moment
In her remarks, AOC struck a hopeful tone, noting that political divisions often dominate Washington headlines, but that the issue of congressional stock trading is one that unites Americans across the political spectrum.
“This issue has brought so many of us together because we share the belief that elected representatives should put the people first,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters. “We are here to do the job the public has sent us to do, not to enrich ourselves in the stock market.”
The New York Democrat went further, saying that the American people are not the ones who need convincing. Instead, she argued, it is lawmakers themselves who must take action.
“I don’t think we need to sell the American people on this. They already support it,” she said. “We need to turn this podium around and get Congress to pass the bill.”
Her comments were echoed by Rep. Chip Roy, who has long pushed for a legislative ban, and by Rep. Burchett, who greeted AOC with a fist bump before introducing her at the press conference.
The Pelosi Act and Insider Trading Allegations
At the center of this renewed momentum is the PELOSI Act, a piece of legislation designed to prohibit members of Congress and their spouses from trading individual stocks while in office.
The bill’s name is no coincidence. Pelosi and her husband have drawn criticism for years due to the remarkable timing of their stock trades. Financial disclosures show that the Pelosis have consistently purchased or sold shares in major companies shortly before relevant congressional actions or federal announcements.
Critics argue that this pattern suggests access to privileged information, something that would be considered insider trading if done by an ordinary citizen. Pelosi has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that her financial activities comply with disclosure laws and that her husband manages the trades independently.
Still, the perception of impropriety has damaged public trust. A 2022 poll found that more than 75% of Americans support banning stock trading by lawmakers, with support cutting across party lines.
Why the Issue Resonates With Voters
The push to ban congressional stock trading resonates because it cuts to the heart of public frustration with Washington.
For years, Americans have watched politicians enter Congress with modest means, only to leave years later with wealth that far outpaces the average citizen. Many believe this enrichment is linked not only to speaking fees and book deals, but to the ability to profit from insider knowledge while serving in office.
To voters, it seems unfair that lawmakers can write laws, sit on committees that regulate entire industries, and then personally benefit from stock moves tied to those same sectors.
“The American people don’t get advance notice when the government is about to pass legislation that will affect the stock price of a company,” said Rep. Roy. “Members of Congress shouldn’t either.”
The Unusual AOC–GOP Alliance
What makes the latest development particularly noteworthy is AOC’s willingness to align with Republicans on the issue.
Known for her fiery clashes with conservatives, AOC has often been a lightning rod for partisan debates. Yet on Wednesday, she openly praised Rep. Chip Roy’s efforts to push forward the stock trading ban and described the collaboration as an example of Washington “working the way it’s supposed to.”
“It feels foreign, almost alien, to see this kind of cooperation,” she admitted. “But it shows that when we put aside differences and focus on shared values, we can make real progress.”
This alignment could increase pressure on Democratic leadership, who have at times been reluctant to advance stock trading bans, despite broad public support.
Pelosi’s Wealth and Political Vulnerability
Nancy Pelosi remains a key figure in the debate, not only because the legislation bears her name, but because her financial portfolio symbolizes what critics call the problem of congressional privilege.
Together with Paul Pelosi, the former speaker has an estimated net worth exceeding $245 million. Their investments span technology companies, defense contractors, and pharmaceutical giants — all industries directly affected by congressional legislation.
In recent years, the timing of trades raised eyebrows. For example, just weeks before the House moved on major tech regulation, Paul Pelosi bought millions in semiconductor and tech stocks. Although Pelosi denied foreknowledge, critics said the optics were damaging.
Pelosi herself has previously dismissed a ban on stock trading as unnecessary, once arguing that lawmakers should “participate in the free market economy.” That statement drew bipartisan backlash and sparked renewed efforts to pass legislation like the PELOSI Act.
What Happens Next
The House will now face pressure to move the legislation forward, especially with growing public support and high-profile endorsements from both sides of the aisle.
Supporters argue that passing a ban would be a major step toward restoring faith in Congress, which has seen approval ratings plummet amid perceptions of corruption and self-dealing.
Opponents, however, caution that banning individual stock trades could deter wealthy individuals from serving in public office, or that lawmakers could simply shift investments into blind trusts and still benefit indirectly.
Yet for AOC, Chip Roy, and others, the risk of doing nothing is greater. “We have to show the American people that Congress is not a place for personal enrichment,” AOC said. “It is a place for public service.”
Broader Implications
The renewed push to ban congressional stock trading has implications far beyond Capitol Hill. If passed, it could reshape how lawmakers approach personal finances, increase transparency in government, and serve as a precedent for other reforms.
It could also challenge entrenched interests in both parties. Many long-serving members have benefitted from the current system and are unlikely to support reforms that would cut into their financial strategies.
Still, with pressure mounting and bipartisan momentum building, the window for real change may be opening.
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