Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has proposed an act that  would ban members of Congress, the vice president,  the president and their immediate family members from  owning or trading stocks, securities, commodities, futures, options, trusts and similar assets.  

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024), introduced by Rep. Jason Smith  (R-Mo.), passed the House with overwhelming support  Jan. 31.