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John,
In a democracy, elected officials are supposed to serve the interests of the people, embodying the principles of public service. Yet, corruption in Washington corrodes the cause of public service as members of Congress exploit their power for self-enrichment.
Lawmakers, their high-ranking staff, and even close family members have been embroiled in clear conflicts of interest by using inside information to trade stocks.
Violations of the STOCK Act over the years, alongside revelations of stock holdings in vaccine companies and military contractors by numerous politicians during pivotal times such as the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, show the pressing need for reform.
It is against this backdrop that Senators Jeff Merkley and Sherrod Brown have championed a bipartisan legislative proposal, The Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks Act (ETHICS Act), aimed at curbing this menace.
Sign the petition: Members of Congress should not own or trade individual stock. Pass the ETHICS Act!
The ETHICS Act is a bold step towards divorcing personal financial interests from public duty among members of Congress, their spouses, and children.
By proposing a ban on the ownership or trading of securities, commodities, or futures, the Act will obliterate the avenues through which personal financial gain could impair objective decision-making in public service.
The overwhelming disapproval among the American people regarding stock trading by Congress members echoes a broader sentiment for accountability and transparency in public service.
Amidst a climate of dwindling trust in political institutions, the activities of lawmakers trading stocks while in office have fanned the flames of skepticism, leading many to question the allegiance of their elected representatives.
The bipartisan momentum gathering around the ETHICS Act mirrors a collective call to action by the American people, seeking to realign the moral compass of Congress with the foundational values of democracy.
Urge members of Congress to support and pass the ETHICS Act, thereby championing the cause of transparency and integrity in our democratic process.
Together we will lay the groundwork for a more transparent, accountable, and trustworthy legislative process.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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