Government Accountability & Ethics
What I Believe
We deserve a government that works for people, not insiders. I’m fighting for transparency, real oversight, and limits that keep power in check. A systematic lack of accountability is what has allowed both corruption and foreign influence to compromise our institutions. We must fix both problems simultaneously.
Issue 1: Congressional Insider Trading
The Problem
Currently, members of Congress and their immediate family members are allowed to trade individual stocks. This creates an unacceptable conflict of interest, allowing elected officials to profit from non-public information they receive during briefings, committee meetings, or legislative drafting. This practice is a direct betrayal of public trust and the definition of a rigged system.
What I'll Do (The Solution: The Congressional Integrity and Trust Act - CITA)
- Ban All Individual Stock Trading: Implement a total ban on the purchase or sale of individual stock shares by all members of Congress and their spouses while they hold office.
- Mandatory Blind Trusts: Require all covered officials to immediately place any existing individual stocks into a qualified, diversified blind trust managed by an independent third party. This third party must have no communication with the official regarding the management of the assets.
- Expanded Coverage: The ban should apply to senior staff members who have access to sensitive information.
- Penalties for Violations: Institute severe financial penalties—fines equivalent to 100% of the profit made from the illegal trade—and mandate a referral to the Department of Justice for potential criminal investigation.
Issue 2: Lack of Financial Accountability for Foreign Influence
The Problem
The current system has weak safeguards against the use of foreign money to influence U.S. policy, particularly concerning jurisdictions designated as high-risk for illicit finance (e.g., those monitored by the Financial Action Task Force, or FATF). This lack of transparency allows hostile states and kleptocrats to compromise U.S. political and financial institutions, jeopardizing national security and American interests.
What I'll Do (The Solution: The Foreign Accountability Transparency Reform - FATR)
- Mandatory Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Require all banks, investment firms, and political organizations (including Super PACs and 501(c)(4) groups) to apply Enhanced Due Diligence measures to all funds or contributions originating from or passing through a foreign jurisdiction designated by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as high-risk or under increased monitoring.
- FARA Modernization: Dramatically increase enforcement and fines under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Require more detailed, real-time disclosure of all contact between registered foreign agents and U.S. policymakers, including the specific policy goals being discussed.
- Ban on Lobbying for Former Legislators: Implement a lifetime ban on lobbying the U.S. government for any former member of Congress or senior executive branch official. This closes the “revolving door” that allows former officials to cash in on their public service and institutional knowledge.
Why It Matters
A self-governing republic cannot function when its leaders are compromised, either by personal greed or by foreign adversaries. These reforms are not radical; they are foundational requirements for public service. By restoring integrity, we ensure that every decision made in Washington serves the American people first, allowing us to focus on the core issues facing our nation without the distraction of corruption.