CONGRESS MUST BAN STOCK TRADING

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Written By Barbara Isaacman

QUICK READ:   How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than for the public good? Congress can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. It’s time to force a debate on whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress or apply more broadly. 


CONTENTS:

BACKGROUND

Today’s the 5th anniversary of Trump’s attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Although unsuccessful, his narrow win last year ushered in the most corrupt era in modern American history. Between now and the 2026 election, we will be highlighting the many ways in which he and his billionaire cronies are bleeding the country dry.

Today, let’s focus on how federal officials’ insider knowledge, obtained while carrying out their duties, allow them to increase their wealth through stock market manipulation.

Although insider trading has been illegal since 1934, it continues to be rampant throughout the federal government because existing laws lack teeth.

Since the public rightfully believes government employees profit from their access to information citizens don’t generally have, banning stock trading is very popular. None of the numerous bills introduced this year were enacted, but pressure in both chambers is building. While Trump claims to support such a ban, he pressured the Senate to apply it only to future presidents. 

In the House, there’s bipartisan support for the Restore Trust in Congress Act (HR.5106), prohibiting Congresspeople and their dependents from owning or trading in stocks and other securities. Democrats are pushing HR.6731, which would extend the ban to Presidents and Vice-Presidents, who have much greater access to insider information—legislation Trump, of course, plans to veto. Discharge petitions are being circulated to bypass Speaker Johnson, and bills with similar language are pending in the Senate.

Congress must act now.

ACTION One: Call the Senate.

Script for Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than for the public good? Thank you for prioritizing us by standing with the American people rather than the broken status quo that benefits Senators' pocketbooks. The only issue is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (S.1879) or apply more broadly (S.1498 or S.2877).

SEN. WYDEN:

Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than for the public good? The Senate can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. The only issue is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (S.1879) or apply more broadly (S.1498 or S.2877).

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than for the public good? The Senate can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. The only issue is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (S.1879) or apply more broadly (S.1498 or S.2877).

ACTION TWO: Call the House.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than the public good? The House can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. Whatever proposed legislation you supported, the only issue now is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (HR.5106) or apply more broadly (HR.6731), so, if you haven't already, sign the appropriate discharge petition(s).

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than the public good? The House can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. The only issue is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (HR.5106) or apply more broadly (HR.6731). Your constituents demand nothing less, so sign the appropriate discharge petition(s).

Script for Maxine Dexter (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than the public good? The House can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. Whatever proposed legislation you supported, the only issue now is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (HR.5106) or apply more broadly (HR.6731), so, if you haven't already, sign the appropriate discharge petition(s).

Script for Val Hoyle (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than the public good? The House can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. Whatever proposed legislation you supported, the only issue now is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (HR.5106) or apply more broadly (HR.6731), so, if you haven't already, sign the appropriate discharge petition(s).

Script for Janelle Bynum (OR-05)

DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than the public good? The House can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. The only issue is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (HR.5106) or apply more broadly (HR.6731). Your constituents demand nothing less, so sign the appropriate discharge petition(s).

Script for Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

Salem office: 503-385-0906 | DC office: 202-225-5643

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

How can the public trust leaders who use information at their disposal for personal gain rather than the public good? The House can no longer dodge this question. Members either stand with the American people or with a broken status quo that benefits their pocketbooks. Whatever proposed legislation you supported, the only issue now is whether banning stock trading should be limited to Congress (HR.5106) or apply more broadly (HR.6731), so, if you haven't already, sign the appropriate discharge petition(s).

FURTHER READING

Barbara Isaacman
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