AOC wants to look like she’s the one making changes for the better but in reality it’s always the GOP.
House Republicans are advancing new ethics legislation aimed at ending congressional stock trading, a long-running controversy that has fueled public frustration and distrust in Washington.
On Monday, Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act, a proposal that would prohibit members of Congress from purchasing individual stocks while in office and require advance public disclosure before selling existing holdings.
Appearing on Mornings with Maria, Steil said the measure is designed to draw a clear line between public service and personal profit.
“If you want to trade stocks, you should be on Wall Street — not serving in Congress,” Steil said. “This bill gives us a real opportunity to restore trust and reassure Americans that lawmakers aren’t benefiting from insider information.”
Supporters say the legislation would prevent members of Congress from using non-public information gained through briefings, investigations, or legislative activity to influence personal investment decisions — a concern that has lingered for years across both parties.
The proposal was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which noted that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership are backing the effort. Several GOP lawmakers who have previously introduced similar reforms are also expected to support the bill.
The legislation arrives amid renewed calls for accountability on Capitol Hill, following repeated failures of past ethics proposals to gain traction. A separate bipartisan measure, the Restore Trust in Congress Act, was most recently introduced in September 2025 but has yet to advance.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., criticized the Republican proposal, arguing that it does not go far enough. In a statement, she said the bill still allows lawmakers to retain and sell stocks they already own, which she claims leaves potential conflicts of interest unresolved.
Republicans counter that the legislation represents a meaningful step forward and contrasts sharply with years of political gridlock and stalled reforms. They argue that preventing new stock purchases while increasing transparency is a practical approach that can gain broad support and deliver immediate accountability.
Steil said he expects the bill to move quickly through the House Administration Committee, setting the stage for a broader debate on ethics, transparency, and trust in Congress — issues that continue to resonate strongly with voters nationwide.