While most members of Congress continue trading individual stocks under the STOCK Act's disclosure requirements, a growing minority have voluntarily placed their investments in blind trusts — removing themselves from the trading debate entirely. Here's who does it and why it matters.
What Is a Blind Trust?
A blind trust is an arrangement where a lawmaker's assets are transferred to an independent trustee who manages them without the politician's knowledge or input. The politician can't see the holdings, can't direct trades, and has no way of using their legislative position to benefit their portfolio — because they don't know what's in it.
Who Has Voluntarily Used Blind Trusts
Jon Ossoff (D-GA) — placed his portfolio in a blind trust in 2021 when he first introduced legislation to ban congressional trading. He has been one of the most consistent advocates for reform, calling the current system a conflict of interest.
Several other members have made similar moves, particularly after increased public scrutiny of congressional trading during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when several members were accused of trading on early briefing information.
Why Most Members Don't Use Blind Trusts
Blind trusts are voluntary, and most members choose not to use them. The reasons vary — some argue their portfolios are too small to matter, others maintain their trades are unrelated to their legislative work. Some simply prefer the flexibility of managing their own investments.
What the Reform Bills Would Require
The Stop Insider Trading Act would mandate full divestment from individual stocks by 2027 — effectively forcing members into index funds, ETFs, or blind trusts. Until that passes, voluntary blind trust adoption remains rare. Track which members are still actively trading at Congressional Trades.