By Ethan Faverino |

U.S. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) has signed onto Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) discharge petition to force a floor vote on H.R. 1908, the Restore Trust in Congress Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from trading or owning individual stocks and other covered investments while in office.

The move comes amid growing bipartisan frustration over potential insider trading and conflicts of interest in Congress, with public polls showing overwhelming support for ending the practice. Rep. Crane, who has never traded stocks during his time in office, has long championed the reform as essential to restoring public trust.

“The American people overwhelmingly agree that Members of Congress should not be allowed to trade stocks while in office. Lawmakers who are privy to sensitive and non-public information should not have the ability to profit from their access,” said Rep. Crane. “I applaud Rep. Luna for taking initiative and leading the charge to end this corrupt practice in our nation’s capital. Republicans and Democrats alike should join forces and get this reform across the finish line.”

Introduced by Rep. Luna, H.R. 1908, would amend federal ethics law to bar covered individuals from purchasing, owning, or trading stocks, commodities, and similar investments, with limited exceptions for diversified mutual funds, U.S. Treasury securities, and certain occupational or inherited assets.

The bill imposes a 180-day divestment period for current lawmakers and 90 days for new ones, with penalties including a 10% fee on prohibited holdings and forfeiture of profits from violations.

“A discharge petition is the strongest tool we have to guarantee a vote on behalf of the American people, and it exists for moments exactly like this,” said Rep. Luna.

“This is one of the most popular, most supported issues in the entire country. Americans deserve a Congress that works for them, not for special interests or personal portfolios,” she added. “I look forward to working with every faction, every caucus, and every Member, Republican and Democrat, to finally get this over the finish line.”

The discharge petition, if successful, would bypass committee delays and bring the bill directly to the House floor under H. Res. 725, which waives procedural hurdles and limits debates to one hour.

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.