Dear friend of OpenSecrets,

On Thursday, OpenSecrets broke the news that Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and his wife Brooke sold between $628,000 and $1.7 million in publicly traded stocks on Feb. 13 as the coronavirus outbreak began to spread across the U.S. His selloff of large investments in hotel companies that later saw their stock value evaporate followed a closed-door briefing on the risk posed by COVID-19, and his public assurances about the government’s ability to fight the virus. 

The story sent shockwaves through the media landscape and led to calls for an investigation and even for Senator Burr’s resignation. It also led to further reporting about other senators engaged in selloffs, including Kelly Loeffler, who also reported large selloffs just before the coronavirus hammered U.S. equities.
 
In the past 48 hours, outlets including The Washington Post, The New York Times and The Associated Press have highlighted OpenSecrets’ work in unveiling Burr’s suspiciously timed trades. The article was also cited on Fox News and Primetime with Chris Hayes during Thursday's program on MSNBC. 

In related stories, OpenSecrets this week detailed how the coronavirus aid package was heavily lobbied by powerful business associations and how a potential bailout package for airlines and other affected industries like casinos and manufacturing.

As Sunshine Week comes to a close, the principle of transparency and our ability to watchdog our elected officials’ actions is disconcertingly highlighted. The Center for Responsive Politics tirelessly examines and reports on these activities, and will continue to be your trusted source for data about money’s influence throughout this unprecedented time of national crisis. 

Thank you for all you do to support this critical work.