Mike Johnson Says He Opposes Bill Banning Lawmakers From Stock Trading

"We don't want people cheating the system and abusing their office,"

"So there's probably a way to do that that still allows for lawful conduct by members."

"You don't want another deterrence for good people running for office,"

House leader Mike Johnson backs stricter rules on insider trading but opposes an outright ban on lawmakers owning, buying, or trading stocks. He said the goal is to prevent cheating and abuse of office while preserving lawful conduct by members. He argued an outright ban could deter qualified candidates from running for office. Pressure for a ban has increased from Democrats and some Republicans, prompting lawmakers to begin a discharge petition to force a floor vote that would need 218 signatures. Johnson retains procedural control over what reaches the floor, but the discharge petition can bypass that control. A recent successful discharge petition on Epstein records has added momentum.

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