The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill restricting lawmakers from trading stocks

According to Politico, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at restricting members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. However, the bill faced division within the Democratic Party, as some Democrats argued it lacked sufficient strength. The legislation, named the "Stop Insider Trading Act," is the first congressional stock trading ban bill to be voted on by the full House of Representatives. It ultimately passed with a vote of 232 to 198, with 13 Democratic lawmakers voting in favor. Among the total 93 lawmakers who co-sponsored the bill, only two were Democrats. Another, more restrictive bill—which would require lawmakers and their families to sell stocks they currently hold—garnered broader bipartisan support but failed to reach a full House vote. Most Democrats believe the passed measure is insufficient because it does not include a mandate to divest existing holdings. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. (Jinshi)