Contact Congress about H.R. 2678: Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

Members of Congress and their families would lose the ability to freely trade most individual stocks while the Member is in office. They would generally have to sell those assets or put them in an approved blind trust. Each late trade report would bring a $500 fine.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, 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.

Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act is a House bill house Consideration.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Members of Congress and their immediate families. They would have to change how they buy, sell, or hold many investments. Congressional ethics offices and financial institutions would also take on new duties. Candidates, reporters, researchers, and the public would see changes in how financial reports are filed and viewed online.

Why this matters: Lawmakers' investments can raise concerns when congressional actions may affect those assets. This bill would limit those holdings and separate many investment choices from the lawmakers who benefit from them. Stronger fines could push officials to follow the rules and report trades on time. Better online records could make oversight easier, though the bill may also bring costs, tax effects, and privacy concerns.

Key provisions in H.R. 2678

• Members of Congress could not buy new covered investments once the bill becomes law. These include individual stocks, certain commodities, futures, and related financial products.
• Members would have 90 days to sell current covered investments after the bill becomes law or after first taking office. Later sales would be allowed only in the special cases listed elsewhere in the law.
• Spouses and dependent children would face similar limits on buying and selling. Their restrictions would begin on a later date tied to the Member's first new term starting on or after January 31, 2023.
• Within 60 days after the rules begin, each Member must file a plan with the congressional office that oversees ethics. The plan must cover how the Member and immediate family will sell covered investments or move them into approved blind trusts.
• Members must sell covered investments or place them in approved blind trusts within 120 days after the rules begin. Ethics offices may extend the time for placing assets into trusts by up to 150 additional days in total.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 2678

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. 2678

What is H.R. 2678?

Members of Congress and their families would lose the ability to freely trade most individual stocks while the Member is in office. They would generally have to sell those assets or put them in an approved blind trust. Each late trade report would bring a $500 fine.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 2678?

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. 2678?

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

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 2678?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.