House Chaos Escalates as Anna Paulina Luna Files New Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Congressional Stock Trading Ban

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing yet another political crisis — and this time, it is coming from inside his own party. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, has filed a new discharge petition aimed at bypassing House GOP leadership and forcing a vote on one of the most publicly popular anti-corruption reforms in Washington:

A full ban on individual stock trading for members of Congress and their immediate family.

This issue has enormous bipartisan support among the American public. But in Washington, it is a different story entirely. Most top Republicans oppose it, many Democrats quietly dislike it, and even Donald Trump has shown no desire to support such a measure.

For Speaker Johnson, who wants to protect his caucus from politically dangerous votes — and who has deep ties to corporate and donor interests — another discharge petition is the last thing he wanted to see.

Representative Roger Williams: “It’s hard to make money in Congress”

The backlash intensified when Republican Representative Roger Williams appeared on television to defend his refusal to sign Luna’s petition. His argument stunned viewers:

“We’ve got to be careful that we don’t limit Congress people to where they can do nothing…
it’s not easy being in Congress from a financial standpoint.”

Williams argued that restricting stock trading would make congressional service financially unattractive, even though House members earn $174,000 per year — far above the median American salary.

Adding to the frustration: public financial disclosures show Williams’ own net worth sits at over $1.3 million.

Critics were quick to point out the hypocrisy:

He is not struggling financially.

The bill does not ban all investing — only individual stocks that create opportunities for insider trading.

Members of Congress could still invest in index funds, retirement accounts, and diversified portfolios like ordinary Americans.

One commentator summarized the sentiment:

“He’s not fighting for Congress to make money legally — he’s fighting to preserve the ability to use insider information.”

“If financial opportunity is what draws you to Congress, you should not be in Congress.”

Public backlash erupted from across the political spectrum.

Analysts argued:

If stock profits are what motivate someone to run for office, they should “get the hell out of Congress.”

Being a member of Congress is meant to be public service, not a get-rich-quicker scheme.

Arguments like Williams’ reveal exactly why this reform is necessary.

Several critics mocked the idea that Congress is financially difficult:

Members earn high salaries.

They work only part of the year.

Many spend large chunks of time fundraising, not legislating.

And those who need more money could, like ordinary Americans, take on additional work.

The underlying point remained: no one should need access to privileged information to “afford” being a representative.

The Larger Issue: Insider Trading Is the Real Target

Despite evasive rhetoric from GOP leadership and some Democrats, the bill would allow members to continue:

Investing in mutual funds

Buying index funds

Saving for retirement

Holding broad market portfolios

The only restriction is on individual stocks, because that is where insider-trading risk is highest. Members of Congress receive classified briefings, agency updates, and economic data long before the public — a structural advantage that has been abused for years.

Speaker Johnson’s position has also come under scrutiny. He insists he opposes “cheating the system,” yet still resists the bill, arguing that Congress must find:

“a way that still allows for lawful conduct by members.”

But critics counter that the bill already allows lawful conduct — and only bans the kind of trades that routinely raise red flags.

As one analyst put it:

“He’s not protecting legal conduct. He’s protecting the illegal conduct.”

Why Mike Johnson Should Be Worried

Luna’s petition creates a real political threat. If:

Enough Republicans break ranks

And Democrats join them (which many likely will)

…Johnson could be forced into a direct vote on a reform that is overwhelmingly popular with voters — and overwhelmingly unpopular with elected officials.

This could expose:

Who is quietly protecting insider trading

Who is willing to challenge party leadership

Which members value public trust over personal profit

And that is precisely why Johnson fears discharge petitions:

**He cannot stop them. He cannot block them.

If 218 members sign, the vote happens — whether he wants it or not.**

The Bottom Line

Representative Anna Paulina Luna’s discharge petition has cracked open one of the most sensitive issues in Washington: the personal wealth pipeline that many lawmakers benefit from, and the political establishment’s reluctance to shut it down.

This is a rare moment where:

A Republican is challenging her own party

Public opinion is overwhelmingly on the reform side

Leadership is terrified of transparency

Members are revealing their true priorities in real time

If Luna gets enough signatures, the House may be forced into one of the most consequential anti-corruption votes in years.

And judging by the panic already spreading in Washington, many members know exactly what’s at stake.