Which of the following best describes your opinion on how the financial investments of Congress and their immediate family should be governed?

They can participate in the market without insider info (15%) – "They aren't coming to Washington to serve for the salary. What is it? $175K per year. Most people take pay cuts to elected positions. Just increase the penalty for insider trading making it more than $200. Be afraid of what kind of people you will attract to a job with that much leadership and responsibility for that little of a salary."

They can’t own individual stocks, but some other investments are OK (34%) – "The consequences and oversight for congressional reps who have access to all kinds of insider information or consequential information pales in comparison to what I had as a registered stockbroker and insider of a corporation. It makes sense to not only have similar oversight and consequences but also to limit their ability to act on the information they have over a multitude of companies and industries."

• "We want congressmen to be invested in the US economy, as this gives them an incentive to protect our country's economic health. A market index is more than adequate. There's no benefit to the country for our representatives to pick and choose the winners in the market, so no good reason to let them out their family invest in individual stocks."

"Many Americans rely on IRA and Mutual Fund accounts. These type of accounts should be allowed, but must be managed by a third party with no other connection to the elected official, and no major changes should be allowed while in office."

• "Based on their market performances it is clear that they are not able to buy and sell stocks without using their insider knowledge but investing in things like the S&P500 is more hands off so this can still be allowed."

They can’t own any market-based financial investments (42%) – "They shouldn’t be trading when they are the ones making policy that could affect the trades. This could also help with the problem of career politicians and help it go back to being a job of service as it was intended instead of a job of massive profit."

• "Too many millionaires in Congress, and too many members of Congress looking at it as a financial investment rather than an opportunity to serve the public. Stock trading of any kind puts their eyes on the wrong kind of ball. Also, a flat salary of $120,000 is more than most Americans will ever make. Next step: getting Big Money out of elections."

"Congress is elected to serve the people and not become multi-millionaires. They have the best retirement plans and best healthcare in the world, and should not be participating in any public/private trading companies."

• "It seems like more and more politicians are getting into politics to make money versus to serve as a public servant. We need to get back to the business of governing and take away all other incentives that are attracting the wrong kind of people into our government system."

Unsure/other (9%) – "Federal and state level politicians should not be allowed, directly or by proxy, to trade while in a position of influence, outside of automated investment strategies that should be locked in before they are given any authority. They shouldn't be prohibited from keeping what they already own, but for the duration of their service, they should be not be able to change any existing investment strategies."