Trump criticizes Republican Senator Hawley over stock trade prohibition, labeling him as a "pawn"
HONEST Act Advances with Bipartisan Support, but Uncertain Future in Senate
The HONEST Act, a bill aiming to ban members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President from buying, selling, or owning individual stocks, has recently made significant progress[1][2][3]. The bill, which was modified to include a ban on insider trading for the President and Vice President, has advanced out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with a 8-7 vote[4].
Support from Both Parties
Many Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have expressed their support for the bill, stating that they are "for a stock trading ban"[2]. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who led the charge to advance the bill, is also united behind it[1][3]. Hawley emphasizes the potential conflict of interest that arises from lawmakers having access to information not available to the public[1][3].
However, not all Republicans are in favour of the bill. Some defend the right of members of Congress to be wealthy and call attacks on wealthy lawmakers "disgusting," while acknowledging that stock trading raises concerns[3]. For instance, Senator Rick Scott, one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, criticized Hawley for his comments about wealth[3].
Presidential Objections
Former President Donald Trump has objected to the inclusion of future presidents and vice presidents in the ban, claiming it targets him unfairly[1]. He expressed this opposition publicly on social media, stating that the bill is "all politics" and "targets me unfairly"[1].
GOP Senators' Support
Despite the criticism, Republican Senators Roger Marshall and Bernie Moreno have expressed their support for the stock trading ban bill[3]. Senator Hawley, who faced pushback from some members of his own party, has not spoken to President Trump since the president's post on Truth Social bashing the bill[5].
Looking Ahead
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration, but with the Republican-controlled Senate, its passage on the floor is still uncertain[3][4]. The bipartisan committee vote indicates growing concern about conflicts of interest in Congress and executive branch stock trading, but clear partisan divisions remain regarding the scope and specifics of the legislation[1][3].
Unrelated Fact:
In an unrelated development, a F-35 fighter jet crashed in California, according to the Navy[6].
Hannah Demissie contributed to this report.
- Despite President Trump's objections and criticism from some Republican senators, the HONEST Act, a policy-and-legislation aimed at banning members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President from individual stock trading, has advanced with bipartisan support.
- The general news of health and wellness shows a notable contrast, as this bill, which addresses the potential conflict of interest in stock trading by politicians, has garnered support from both parties.
- Although the passage of the HONEST Act on the Senate floor remains uncertain due to its Republican-controlled status, the bill's progression in policy-and-legislation indicates growing public concern about conflicts of interest in business dealings by government officials.
