Ending Trading and Holdings In Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

This bill would require Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to stop trading or holding certain investments (called "covered investments") and instead place them in "qualified blind trusts" or divest them by specific deadlines. It defines covered investments broadly to include stocks, commodities, and derivatives, but excludes diversified mutual funds, government bonds, and some business interests. The bill sets different deadlines for different groups (e.g., 90 days after enactment for existing holdings, 120 days for new holdings) and establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, including penalties equal to 10% of the value of non-compliant holdings. It also requires public reporting of financial disclosures and establishes procedures for oversight by ethics offices.