The STOCK Act
Stopping Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act)
What is the STOCK Act?
The STOCK Act (S.2038) is a law designed to combat insider trading and increase transparency among federal officials, including Congress members, their staff, and other government employees.Â
Passed in 2012, the law ensures that those who govern our country adhere to the same standards as private citizens when it comes to trading stocks.
Key Features of the STOCK Act:
Transparency: Requires regular reporting of stock trades by Congress members and higher-level officials to prevent conflicts of interest.
Accountability: Establishes rules and guidelines that make it illegal for Congressional members to engage in insider trading.
Accessibility: All transaction reports are made public within 45 days, allowing journalists, researchers, and the general public to monitor these trades.
Why Does It Matter to You?
Fairness in the Market: Reduces the risk of market manipulation, creating a fairer trading environment for all investors.
Trust in Governance: Increases confidence in government decision-making by preventing personal financial gain from affecting public duties.
Informed Citizens: Empowers you to see the financial activities of elected officials, reinforcing transparency in government.
How You Can Use This Information:
Stay Informed: Check public records to see the trading activities of your representatives.
Hold Them Accountable: Use this information to question decisions or policies that might be influenced by personal financial interests.
Promote Integrity: Advocate for stronger laws on transparency and ethics in all levels of government.