The NPR Politics Podcast Congress Pursues Good-Governance Reforms
Feb 10, 2022
Lawmakers are now focusing on bipartisan reforms to bolster public trust in government. Key discussions include banning stock trading by legislators and clarifying the Electoral Count Act to protect electoral integrity. Historical insights and personal stories shed light on the importance of ethics in politics. The impact of the January 6th Capitol attack has sparked new urgency in reform discussions. Together, these efforts aim to create a more transparent and accountable political environment.
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Congressional Stock Trading Ban
- Members of Congress are considering banning stock trading due to ethical concerns and public pressure.
- Several lawmakers have been investigated for potentially using insider information for personal gain.
Stock Act Ineffectiveness
- The Stock Act, passed a decade ago, requires lawmakers to report stock trades but lacks strong enforcement.
- Many lawmakers have failed to file reports or filed them late, facing only minor fines.
Proposed Stock Trading Reforms
- Proposed legislation aims to ban lawmakers, spouses, and children from trading individual stocks or require blind trusts.
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has shifted her stance due to pressure and now supports potential reforms.