The bill from Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D., N.Y.) and Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) would permit the president, vice president, lawmakers, Capitol Hill aides and employees of the executive branch to own mutual funds and broad industry and index funds. But it would prohibit them from owning stocks in individual companies, even in blind trusts.
“While the prospect of a stock-trading ban is controversial within Congress, public support approaches unanimity,” said Steven Kull, the director of the Program for Public Consultation.