Contact Congress about H.R. 253: Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act

Members of Congress and close family members could no longer own or trade most individual stocks. They would have to sell those investments or move them into an approved blind trust. Violations could lead to public reporting, tax consequences, and civil fines.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Latest action on H.R. 253: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects members of Congress and their spouses and dependents. They would have to change how they hold many personal investments. It also affects congressional ethics offices, trustees who manage blind trusts, the Attorney General, and taxpayers who want public proof that members are following the rules.

Why this matters: This bill matters because lawmakers can make decisions that affect companies and markets while also holding personal investments. The bill tries to reduce that conflict by limiting direct ownership of individual stocks and similar assets. It could make members use broad funds, government bonds, retirement plans, or blind trusts instead. The bill does not say how much it would improve public trust or change behavior. That would depend on how well the rules are enforced.

Key provisions in H.R. 253

• Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependents could not own or trade most individual stocks. The ban also covers stock futures, commodities, and similar products such as options and warrants.
• They could still own broad registered investment funds, U.S. Treasury securities, state and local government bonds, and Thrift Savings Plan investments.
• Covered people would have to get rid of banned assets. They could sell them or put them in a qualified blind trust.
• People already covered when the law starts would have 90 days to divest. People who become covered later would also get 90 days.
• Spouses who get covered investments through their main job get a different deadline. They must divest within 90 days after their contract lets them sell.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 253

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 253

What is H.R. 253?

Members of Congress and close family members could no longer own or trade most individual stocks. They would have to sell those investments or move them into an approved blind trust. Violations could lead to public reporting, tax consequences, and civil fines.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 253?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 253?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 253 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.