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Source document· May 17, 2026

Mike Johnson says lawmakers' $174K+ salaries haven't kept up with inflation — they need stock trading for support

“The Speaker makes $223,500. Other top party leaders make $193,400. Those numbers haven't moved since 2009.”

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Speaker Johnson says he probably supports a ban on congressional stock trading because it has been abused by a few bad actors who taint the practice for everyone
60% confidence
Frozen congressional salaries are causing less qualified people to be willing to run for Congress because the financial sacrifice is too great
60% confidence
Congress should not have any appearance of impropriety with respect to stock trading
60% confidence
There is a sympathetic counterargument that congressional stock trading helps members financially support their families while serving, given the dual-residence burden of the job
60% confidence

3600 stock_transactions