1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for H.R. 5106, which would prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses and dependents from owning or trading stocks. This legislation addresses a fundamental conflict of interest that undermines public trust in our democratic institutions. When elected officials can profit from companies and industries they regulate, the integrity of their decision-making is inevitably compromised. The American people deserve representatives who prioritize the public interest over personal financial gain, and this bill would help restore confidence that legislative decisions are made based on merit and constituent needs rather than portfolio performance. The current system creates an inherently corrupt dynamic where members of Congress possess insider knowledge that can significantly impact market valuations. Whether voting on healthcare legislation, defense spending, or technology regulations, representatives have access to information that could generate substantial profits if traded upon. While existing disclosure requirements attempt to address this issue, they are insufficient and often allow trades to occur before public reporting. The appearance of impropriety is nearly as damaging as actual corruption, and both erode the foundation of democratic governance that depends on public trust and accountability. Beyond the ethical imperative, this legislation is also a political necessity. Polling consistently shows overwhelming public support for restrictions on congressional stock trading, with majorities across party lines recognizing the inherent conflicts of interest. The Democratic Party's commitment to transparency, accountability, and fighting corruption demands support for this common-sense reform. I urge you to champion H.R. 5106 and demonstrate that our representatives are willing to sacrifice personal financial opportunities to serve the public interest. This is precisely the kind of structural reform that can help restore faith in government and ensure that elected officials remain focused on the people they were elected to serve rather than their investment portfolios.