1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The issue of congressional stock trading represents a clear conflict of interest that erodes public trust in our institutions. Members of Congress have access to non-public information that could unduly influence their personal investment decisions, creating an unfair advantage over ordinary citizens. This practice raises valid concerns about corruption and self-dealing. To address this ethical lapse, I urge you to support and pass the modified ETHICS Act proposed by Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock. This legislation would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and senior staff from trading individual stocks while in office. It would also require timely disclosures of transactions and divestment from holdings that pose conflicts of interest. Banning congressional stock trading aligns with President Biden's stated support for such measures. Moreover, a majority of incoming freshmen lawmakers from both parties have already divested or pledged to refrain from trading individual stocks, demonstrating bipartisan recognition of this issue. Stringent ethics rules are vital for maintaining integrity and restoring faith in our democratic process. The American people deserve full assurance that their elected representatives are working solely for the public good rather than personal enrichment. I implore you to heed this call and prioritize the ETHICS Act to enhance transparency and accountability within the legislative branch.