Investigate Suspicious Oil Futures Trading Just Before Iran Policy Change

CONGRESS MUST IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATE MARKET-MOVING GOVERNMENT ACTIONS THAT ENABLE EFFECTIVE INSIDER TRADING Congress must immediately investigate government policy decisions that move financial markets in ways that allow individuals with advance access to government decisions to profit before the public has access to the same information. As your constituent, I urge you to address this gap with urgency and seriousness. Recent developments involving U.S. policy toward Iran triggered sharp and immediate market movements, including major swings in oil prices and equities. Reports indicate, and multiple outlets have noted, that notable oil futures trading activity occurred shortly before a key public announcement. This activity, alongside broader stock market movements reflected in publicly reported market data, has drawn public scrutiny regarding whether advance knowledge was used for financial gain. Even if no current law was technically violated, these events expose a structural weakness in our regulatory framework. Existing insider trading laws were not designed for situations where executive branch decisions themselves can instantly move global markets, even under existing SEC and CFTC authority. This creates an unacceptable imbalance. Those with proximity to government decision-making may benefit, while ordinary Americans are left reacting after the fact. This issue transcends party and goes directly to market fairness, transparency, and public trust. CONGRESS MUST ESTABLISH CLEAR RULES TO PREVENT POLICY-BASED MARKET ABUSE I urge you to take the following actions: (1) Hold immediate oversight hearings examining recent market activity tied to U.S. policy announcements. (2) Direct the SEC, CFTC, and Department of Justice to investigate potential misuse of nonpublic information. (3) Establish clear statutory rules governing trading by government officials, their families, and close associates. (4) Define and prohibit “policy-based insider trading,” including misuse or selective disclosure of market-sensitive government decisions. (5) Require transparency and audit mechanisms for major policy actions that are likely to move markets. (6) Request a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review to assess vulnerabilities and recommend safeguards. Markets cannot function fairly if government decisions can be quietly monetized by a select few. Congress has the authority and responsibility to close this gap. Thank you.