John,
As we face this difficult moment and navigate the health crisis in our country and around the globe, we wish you and your family safety and good health.
As the nation grapples with the spread of COVID-19, there are new reports that at least two U.S. Senators, Richard Burr (R-NC) and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), sold millions of dollars worth of stock, apparently after receiving confidential briefings on the coronavirus pandemic, but just before public revelations of that information caused the stock market to crash. Senator Burr, meanwhile, penned an opinion article for Fox News assuring the public that the federal government was adequately prepared to manage the spread of the virus in the United States.
These new reports, if true, amount to a gut punch to Americans whose life savings and livelihoods are in danger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If these allegations are correct and these Senators sold stock in response to confidential briefings, Free Speech For People calls upon them to immediately resign.
There is no excuse for an elected representative to put the health of their stock portfolio above the health of the American people. We further call on the Department of Justice to investigate whether they or any other Members of Congress or employees of Congress violated the STOCK Act or other applicable law.
The conflicts of interest present in this story exist beyond the current state of emergency. Members of Congress have been shown to own stocks in some of the nation’s most controversial industries, including weapons manufacturing and fossil fuels. Congress should, therefore, also act promptly to pass legislation prohibiting Members of Congress from trading in public exchanges other than through blind trusts. It's time for our elected officials to put the health and security of the American people above their pocketbooks.
In solidarity,
Free Speech For People
If you no longer wish to receive updates from our campaign, please unsubscribe. |
