The Missouri Republican reintroduced his PELOSI Act in April 2025, demanding a Senate vote to ban lawmakers and their families from trading or holding individual stocks, targeting the rampant insider trading that’s turned Capitol Hill into a hedge fund.
Breitbart reported that the STOCK Act of 2012 was supposed to curb congressional profiteering, but lawmakers gutted it, leaving the door wide open for self-enrichment. “Congress loves to trade stock,” Hawley quipped, and he’s not wrong.
The PELOSI Act, cheekily named after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, shines a spotlight on her millions made from alleged insider trading.
Hawley claims Pelosi and her husband outdid nearly every hedge fund in 2024. Talk about a power couple cashing in.
“They use information only they are privy to,” Hawley told The Alex Marlow Show, slamming lawmakers who make millions while voters “want to vomit” at the corruption. His bill doesn’t play favorites—it targets both parties. Former Rep. Spencer Bachus, a Republican, slunk away after his trading scandal.
Hawley’s no fan of half-measures like blind trusts. “Too easy to manipulate,” he scoffed. The PELOSI Act bans them outright, forcing transparency and accountability.
Under Hawley’s plan, Congress gets six months to ditch individual stocks or shift to broad-based mutual funds. Violators face harsh penalties: disgorge all profits, plus a financial hit. It’s a wake-up call for those treating public service like a personal ATM.
Public disclosure is key. “The public can see exactly who’s doing what,” Hawley insisted. Transparency might just make lawmakers think twice before betting on privileged info.
Most Americans assume insider trading by Congress is already illegal. “They can’t believe this is currently legal,” Hawley noted, highlighting the public’s shock. It’s a bipartisan disgust that fuels his push.
Hawley’s been at this for years. Last year, after nearly two years of wrangling, his bill cleared the committee—only for some in his party to try sabotaging it. Loyalty in D.C. extends to protecting stock portfolios.
“Members of Congress leveraging the office to get rich is the farthest thing from what the Founders intended,” Hawley declared. He’s right—public service shouldn’t mean private windfalls. Yet, Congress clings to its golden loopholes.
The PELOSI Act is non-partisan, but don’t expect a warm reception. Lawmakers from both sides benefit from the status quo. Hawley’s bill threatens their side hustle, and they’re not thrilled.
Hawley’s demanding a vote to put senators on record. “I don’t care if it’s Democrat, Republican, whatever,” he said, signaling he’s ready to name and shame. It’s a bold move in a town allergic to accountability.
The bill’s fate remains uncertain. Last year’s failure to become law shows how fiercely Congress guards its perks. Actions, as they say, have consequences—or at least they should.
Hawley’s fight is for a system where lawmakers serve the public, not their bank accounts. If the PELOSI Act passes, it could reshape trust in government. If it fails, expect more voters reaching for the barf bag.