The Presser

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee joined several lawmakers today in a renewed call to ban stock trading by members of Congress. During a press briefing, Burchett described Congress as a “sewer,” not the “swamp” it is commonly called, and said the public has lost trust in lawmakers who buy and sell stocks while writing the laws that can influence them.

Burchett thanked Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin for allowing the hearings to begin in the Committee on House Administration. The committee oversees the Legislative Branch, House operations, Capitol security and federal elections.

The Bill

Burchett said that “for years Congress has been using hardworking American taxpayers money to get rich, and dag gum, it has got to stop.” He also remarked that “everyone wants to knock Pelosi, she is not even in the top ten,” pointing to what he said is a wider problem across both parties.

He argued that members of Congress have access to information from committee work that can shape their financial decisions and said the public has reason to be concerned. Burchett admitted that a stock trading ban is unlikely to pass the House and said that even if it did, the Senate could block it or stall it in a political limbo that would kill the bill.

Whats next?

Burchett said the proposal is a chance for Congress to show the American people that lawmakers are listening, while adding that Congress “probably will not do it.” He also noted that he was standing with two Democrats who support the bill and said “this is an issue that America is untied on.” Burchett then urged the press to apply pressure on Congress to act.

H.R. 1908 is the current measure aimed at stopping congressional stock trading. A link will be added when available. SHR Media will continue to follow its progress and provide updates on its status.

Watch the press conference here:

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