House passes congressional stock-trading curbs in 232-198 vote

The House approved legislation Wednesday to restrict members of Congress from buying individual stocks while in office, advancing a long-debated ethics measure by a 232-198 vote. The GOP-backed bill, introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, would bar new stock purchases by lawmakers but would not force them to sell current holdings. It would still allow sales if members disclose their intent at least seven days in advance. The measure also raises penalties for disclosure violations to $2,000 or 10% of a transaction's value, up from the current $200 fine for first-time offenders. Democratic support eroded after Republicans added a voter-identification provision, and the bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain because most legislation needs 60 votes.