Contact Congress about H.R. 396: TRUST in Congress Act

Members of Congress and close family would have to put many investments into blind trusts. That means someone else would manage those assets while the member serves, and for 180 days after they leave.

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.

TRUST in Congress Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Latest action on H.R. 396: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects members of Congress and their immediate families. Members, spouses, and dependent children would lose direct control over many personal investments while the member serves. The public would also get an easier way to check whether members filed the required certifications.

Why this matters: Members of Congress can vote on laws that may affect markets and companies. This bill would reduce their direct control over many investments while they serve. That could lower real or perceived conflicts of interest. The bill may also make compliance easier to check because certifications would be posted online. Its real effect would depend on how well the rules are monitored and enforced.

Key provisions in H.R. 396

• Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children would have to put most personal investments into qualified blind trusts.
• Current members would have 180 days after the law takes effect to move covered investments into blind trusts.
• People who join Congress after the law starts would have 90 days after taking office to move covered investments into blind trusts.
• Members could not end the blind trust or take back control of covered investments until 180 days after leaving Congress.
• Covered investments would include stocks, commodities, futures, and similar financial interests. It would also include interests gained through derivatives, which are contracts tied to the value of another asset.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 396

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. 396

What is H.R. 396?

Members of Congress and close family would have to put many investments into blind trusts. That means someone else would manage those assets while the member serves, and for 180 days after they leave.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 396?

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. 396?

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. 396 before I act?

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