Dear John,

This week in Washington, the Senate is in disarray over legislation that will ban Members of Congress, the President and the Vice President from trading stocks.  

To no one’s surprise, a certain high-profile official in the White House is lobbying heavily against this bill. And it’s completely unsurprising. Throughout his term, President Trump has shown us time and time again where his priorities lie – in making the wealthiest 1% even wealthier, advancing his own personal business pursuits and lining the pockets of billionaires at the expense of the American people. It’s a shame, it’s un-Presidential and it is certainly un-American.  

I strongly support banning elected officials from trading stocks – and I have since I was first elected to Congress. Folks, it's just a fact that as elected officials, Members of Congress have access to sensitive information that the American public does not. Using this information to profit off of that position is wrong. It shouldn’t even be a debate: elected officials shouldn’t be trading stocks. Period. 

That’s why I've introduced multiple pieces of common-sense legislation since I came to Congress that would hold lawmakers accountable. In June, I introduced my NO STOCK Resolution which bans Members of Congress from playing the stock market and profiting from their positions while they’re in office.  

In April, I reintroduced my Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination (HUMBLE) Act, which would ban Members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks, prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for first-class airline tickets, prevent Members from serving on corporate boards while they are in Congress and eliminate access to Members-only perks for former Members. 

I’m committed to making sure Minnesotans have peace of mind that their representatives' number one priority is serving them – not their own self interests. Bettering the lives of my constituents will always be my focus here in Congress, and I’ll do anything to ensure that remains true for my fellow elected officials – in the halls of Congress and in the White House.  

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress