In a democracy, lawmakers are appointed to represent the interests of their constituents, not to enrich themselves. It's past time we end the unethical practice of stock trading by members of Congress. Our elected officials should embody integrity, yet a glaring loophole in our system perpetuates corruption and self-gain.

In 2021, 54 members of Congress and at least 182 top staff members violated the STOCK Act, which requires that members disclose financial trades within 90 days.

In 2020, 75 lawmakers held stocks in vaccine producers Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or Pfizer. Most of those trades happened in the early weeks of the pandemic. Fifteen Congress members with a hand molding defense policy invest in military contractors. Over a dozen members in key roles shaping energy policy invest in fossil fuel corporations. The list goes on.

Senators Jeff Merkley and Sherrod Brown have introduced a bipartisan initiative aimed at halting stock trading activities by members of Congress. This much-needed legislation seeks to restore public trust and ensure that our representatives remain focused on the nation's welfare, not their stock portfolios.

Three in four voters agree that members of Congress should be banned from trading stock. Lawmakers are in Congress to serve, not to gain an unfair advantage in the stock market.

Although previous attempts to pass such legislation have faced hurdles, the persistence of dedicated lawmakers, coupled with mounting public pressure, is ushering hope for a change.

Sign the petition: Members of Congress should not be allowed to own or trade individual stock.