Trustee Elections
These are the original issues in this subcategory
  • WHISTLEBLOWERS
  • POLICE MILITARIZATION
  • OFFICEHOLDER STOCK TRADING
Winning Issue » OFFICEHOLDER STOCK TRADING


The 2012 Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) law was supposed to combat insider trading by members of Congress and their staff. However, critics claim this bill has failed to prevent the appearance of corruption and has fallen short of ensuring that Congress is prioritizing the public over their own interests. The recent Covid pandemic highlighted the shortcomings of the STOCK Act. Dozens of members of Congress from both sides of the aisle made stock transactions totaling over $150 million. Some bought stocks in companies expected to increase in value such as remote work technologies, telemedicine companies and car manufacturers that were shifting their production to ventilators. Others sold stocks in the restaurant and hospitality industries which were expected to struggle during a pandemic. Several of these members were investigated for insider trading by our Justice Department but no charges were ever brought against them.

Surveys show the vast majority of Americans believe that many of our federal elected officials have greatly profited from trading stocks by using insider information that is unavailable to the public. They point to the wealth accumulated by these officials during their time in office despite their relatively modest government salaries. Critics say elected officials should not be allowed to own or trade -stocks even in blind trusts, and should be penalized if found to break the rules –particularly those who reaped substantial monetary gains.

Pending Legislation: S.2463 Ban Stock Trading for Government Officials Act
Sponsor: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.)
Status: Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Chair: Sen. Gary Peters (MI)



Options


  • I oppose reforming current officeholder stock trading policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY).
  • I support prohibiting Washington officials from owning or trading stocks, even those held in blind trusts by:

    1.) Creating stringent stock trading bans and disclosure requirements for Congress, senior executive branch officials, and their spouses and dependents.

    2.) Imposing penalties of varying degrees against those found to break the rules, and be subject to additional civil penalties in “extraordinary” cases or those that involve “substantial monetary value.”

    3.) Requiring the reporting of federal benefits, creating additional transparency in financial disclosure reports, and increasing transaction report penalties under the original STOCK Act.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Gary Peters (MI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.


Winning Option
  • I support prohibiting Washington officials from owning or trading stocks, even those held in blind trusts by:

    1.) Creating stringent stock trading bans and disclosure requirements for Congress, senior executive branch officials, and their spouses and dependents.

    2.) Imposing penalties of varying degrees against those found to break the rules, and be subject to additional civil penalties in “extraordinary” cases or those that involve “substantial monetary value.”

    3.) Requiring the reporting of federal benefits, creating additional transparency in financial disclosure reports, and increasing transaction report penalties under the original STOCK Act.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Gary Peters (MI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
There has been $0.00 pledged in support of this issue
Trustee Candidates

If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Sen. Gary Peters (MI) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider passing S.2463 Ban Stock Trading for Government Officials Act.

If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider passing Ban Stock Trading for Government Officials Act.

About: Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people – not for big corporations. We mobilize activists to grow democratic movements, watchdog Congress, sue the government when it fails to do its job, petition regulatory agencies to safeguard the public and engage in cutting-edge research that effects change. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.
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Trustee Election - Opening Date
April 22, 2024
Trustee Election - Closing Date
April 29, 2024