The Blubber

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) have joined forces to co-sponsor a bill aimed at preventing members of Congress from owning or trading stocks. The bill, designated as H.R. 3003, is also co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), a moderate Republican, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a progressive Democrat. The proposed legislation would extend the prohibition to include the spouses and dependents of congressional members.

In a joint statement with the other co-sponsors, Fitzpatrick emphasized the significance of cross-party collaboration on the bill, stating, "The fact that Members of the Progressive Caucus, the Freedom Caucus, and the Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, representing the full range of the political spectrum, can find common ground on crucial issues like this should send a strong message to America." He added, "We must advance on issues that bring us together, including our unwavering belief that public trust in government must be reestablished."

Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the need for ethical standards, stating, "When Members have access to classified information, we should not be trading in the stock market based on it. It's really that simple."

Gaetz echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Members of Congress are spending their time trading futures instead of securing the future of our fellow Americans." He continued, "We cannot allow the Swamp to prioritize investing in stocks over investing in our country."