Friend --
Lawmakers often know about news and legislation before the general public – including news that affects markets. It’s part of the job.
But you know what shouldn't be part of the job? Using that information to buy and sell stocks, like the senators who sold their stocks in hotels – or bought stocks in video-conferencing – after getting a classified briefing on the emerging pandemic in January 2020.
We need to restore faith in Congress – not undermine it with self-dealing. That's why I'm co-sponsoring the TRUST in Congress Act, a bipartisan bill that would require lawmakers to put their assets in blind trusts, so they can't buy or sell stocks while in office.
It's time for all elected leaders to put principle before profit. If you agree, sign my petition to support the TRUST in Congress Act and a full ban on stock trading by members of Congress.
Look, I own stocks. But when I decided to run for office, I promised to place my tradable assets in a blind trust because it's the right thing to do. And that's exactly what I've done.
That means someone else manages my investments and they cannot consult with me, nor I with them, ever. In fact, I haven't communicated with my investment advisors - either directly or through a proxy - since I was elected back in 2018.
And you know what? That makes me a better representative. I vote based on what I know is best for my constituents – not what's best for my portfolio. And it prevents me from making investment decisions based on the privileged information I get as a member of Congress.
Now, I'm calling on all of my colleagues to show the same commitment to fairness – and I hope you'll join me. Add your name to my petition to support the TRUST in Congress Act requiring lawmakers to put their stocks in blind trusts.
Thanks for your support,
Dean