Johnson: Trust in Congress Act Holds Members to Higher Standard
Requires Members of Congress and their families to place investments, like individual stocks, in a blind trust during their time in Congress
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) signed onto the Trust in Congress Act, a bipartisan bill that requires Members of Congress and their families to place investments, like individual stocks, in a blind trust during their time in Congress.
“Members of Congress should not risk the conflict of interest that comes with selling individual stocks,” said Johnson. “Congress has a public trust problem – I’m not sure this will move the needle, but we should do all we can to ensure our constituents have faith in their elected officials. Members should hold themselves to the highest ethical standard and this is the right thing to do. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Spanberger for leading efforts to restore public trust in the U.S. House.”
“I am glad to have my friend, colleague, and fellow Problem Solver Congressman Johnson cosponsoring our TRUST in Congress Act,” said Spanberger. “The American people — whether they’re in South Dakota, Virginia, or anywhere else — deserve to know that their elected officials are working on behalf of the public interest, not their personal financial interest. With this legislation, we can demonstrate how Democrats and Republicans can work together to reduce potential conflicts of interest, restore faith in our republic, and redouble our commitment to public service.”
A covered investment under this bill is defined as investment in a security, a commodity, or a future, or any comparable economic interest acquired through synthetic means such as the use of a derivative. Widely held investment funds, such as mutual funds, are not considered a covered investment under the bill.
###