Top Democrat ACCUSED – Violation Reported!
(RepublicanJournal.org) – At the end of July, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) shocked much of the nation when they announced their reconciliation deal addressing healthcare, taxes, and climate change. While speaking about the measure on television, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) said he wasn’t going to trade “on any stocks based on” the proposal because he was unsure if Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) was on board.
Considering the possible temptation for insider trading in Congress, and due to the timing of their knowledge of political issues, the comment raised ethical concerns.
The Experts Weigh In
Following the senator’s appearance on “Balance of Power,” many viewers chimed in to comment on the words he chose to use on the show. The official rapid response account for the National Republican Senatorial Committee tweeted they were shocked by the revelation. The NRSC wondered if Bennet really admitted he buys and sells stocks “based on legislation.”
🧐 🧐 🧐
Did @MichaelBennet just admit that he makes investments based on legislation that’s being negotiated in the Senate?
“I’m not buying or selling any stocks based on [the reconciliation bill] because we don’t know where Sen. Sinema is going to be.” pic.twitter.com/nXZ7D3vwF2
— NRSC Rapid Response (@NRSC_Rapid) August 2, 2022
Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust Executive Director Kendra Arnold said the comment raised a “red flag” that the Colorado lawmaker is not adhering to the standards becoming of a congressman. She believes there should be an investigation into the matter to ensure Bennet is following proper stock-trading protocols, which are in place to prevent insider deals.
The STOCK Act requires members of the House and Senate to disclose any stock transactions over $1,000 “within 30 to 45 days.” Failure to do so could result in a fine.
The Legislator’s Response
The lawmaker’s campaign office quickly responded to the swirling ethical questions, backtracking on the senator’s words. Georgina Beven, a spokesperson for the Democrat, said Republicans are simply trying to “distort Michael’s observation” and make it into something it’s not. The rep also made it clear that the Colorado legislator does not personally trade his investments, as he has an asset manager in Denver who does that for him.
Beven then tried to divert the conversation by attacking the Right and pointing out all the measures they allegedly oppose that are now sitting in the reconciliation package.
At the very least, the senator’s word choice was poor, although the implications could be far more sinister. Regardless, the NRSC believes somebody needs to keep an eye on the Centennial State politician to make sure he’s following the rules. There has already been controversy surrounding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), her husband, and their stock trading practices over the years. Understandably, the Right wants to ensure there is not a widespread problem.
Do you think Bennet misspoke, or do you believe he’s dealing in unethical practices?
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