Staff Reports
In a rare show of unity, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Matt Gaetz (R-FL) have joined together with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) to introduce the “Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act.” This much-needed legislation seeks to prohibit financial investments, such as individual stock trades, by members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependents. This act will ensure that members of Congress are not using insider information to enrich their lives, a deceitful practice that undermines trust in the government itself.
Why AOC and Matt Gaetz Are Now Working Together https://t.co/m7QgI9XR9W
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 2, 2023
Trust in American institutions has been decreasing over the years, and for good reason. The public’s faith in our government has been eroded by the scandalous behavior of our elected officials, but the Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act aims to provide some reassurance to those voters who have lost confidence in our political leaders. The introduction of this act by such a diverse group of lawmakers is a rare coalition that has come together to address this significant issue. It shows that our elected officials can put aside their differences and come together for the greater good.
The act’s introduction sends a powerful message to America that trust in government must be restored. Members of Congress, including their dependents, must be prohibited from trading in stocks while they serve and have access to sensitive, inside information. While Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is still under a House ethics investigation for her alleged improper acceptance of gifts and services related to her attendance at the Met Gala in 2021, she has stated her support for the bill. The Squad member rightly believes that the ability to individually trade stock erodes the public’s trust in government, especially when Members have access to classified information.
Rep. Gaetz added that members of Congress should prioritize investing in our country and not personal investments. As it stands, Members of Congress are spending their time trading futures instead of securing the future of fellow Americans. This practice clearly has a negative impact on the legislative process. Members of Congress should be focused on their constituents and not their stock portfolios.
The Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act is long overdue. The ability of elected representatives to engage in insider trading based on the trust placed in them by their constituents is unacceptable. This legislation will set a precedent for the type of conduct that citizens expect from public servants. As this act moves through the House, it will be interesting to see which members oppose it and why. The American people deserve better, and it is time to put an end to corrupt practices that have undermined our faith in government.
