The bill makes clear it#39;s illegal for lawmakers, their staffs and many executive-branch employees to trade stocks based on inside information learned on the job.

Aiming to restore voters#39; faith in Congress, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday that makes clear it#39;s illegal for members of Congress, their staffs and many executive-branch employees to trade stocks and other securities based on inside information learned on the job.

The Senate voted to bar members of Congress, their staff and most executive branch employees from trading stocks, commodities or futures based on non-public information they learn on the job.

The US Senate approves a bill aimed at banning members of Congress from profiting from stock trades made with specialised insider knowledge.

Sagging approval ratings brought Democrats and Republicans together Thursday, as the Senate passed a bill to explicitly prevent members of Congress, their top aides and administration officials from using non-public information for insider trading. New disclosure requirements will require public reports online within 30 days of buying and selling stock.