After months of ethical panic, Home Democrats this week launched a invoice to ban federal officers from proudly owning particular person shares, however its sheer breadth is a motive for second ideas. The proof is skinny that this addresses any actual downside, whereas it would deter profitable individuals from in search of or accepting public workplace.

The invoice would forbid federal officers from holding particular person investments except they’re in a professional blind belief. There are some exemptions, corresponding to for “a diversified mutual fund” or “a diversified exchange-traded fund,” in addition to for “an curiosity in a small enterprise concern or family-owned enterprise that doesn’t current a battle of curiosity.” However no buying and selling shares in corporations well-known or obscure.