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Category: News
January 19, 2026
Corruption
War

Top Ukrainian Lawmaker and Ex-PM Caught in Corruption Probe.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Anti-corruption investigators have accused Ukrainian lawmaker and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko of organizing a scheme to bribe MPs, including figures from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party, to undermine his government.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Yulia Tymoshenko, her Fatherland party, members of the Ukrainian legislature, and Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Investigations and raids occurred on Tuesday night, with announcements made on Wednesday in Ukraine.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It seems the elections are much closer than they appeared and someone has decided to start clearing out the competition.” – Yulia Tymoshenko

🎯IMPACT: The allegations heighten political tensions in Ukraine, as expectations of elections increase amidst ongoing corruption probes and the war with Russia.

IN FULL

Ukrainian opposition lawmaker and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is facing bribery charges from anti-corruption authorities, who allege she organized a scheme to pay lawmakers—including some from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party—in exchange for their votes in parliament.

The accusations emerged following raids late Tuesday on the offices of her Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Investigators claim the operation involved a systematic, long-term arrangement with advance payments to secure loyal voting behavior, including instructions sent via the Signal messaging app. NABU has released audio recordings and video footage showing U.S. dollar cash seized during the searches, describing it as part of a broader effort to influence parliamentary decisions and potentially undermine Zelensky’s majority.

Tymoshenko, whose party holds about 25 seats in the 450-member Verkhovna Rada, as the Ukrainian legislature is known, denied the claims in a Facebook statement. She rejected any link to the published audio recordings and called the probe politically driven, stating: “It seems the elections are much closer than they appeared and someone has decided to start clearing out the competition.” She pledged to demonstrate in court that the accusations against her are false.

The case follows NABU’s exposure in December 2025 of several lawmakers accepting improper benefits for votes, and coincides with other high-profile corruption investigations, including those involving figures close to Zelensky and issues at the state nuclear energy company Energoatom.

Notably, Tymoshenko had earlier backed legislation that would have weakened or dismantled NABU and SAPO—the very bodies now pursuing her.

Image via the European People’s Party.

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January 19, 2026
News
Religion

DOJ Investigating Invasion of Church by Don Lemon and Anti-ICE Agitators.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A group of far-left extremist activists, accompanied by ex-CNN host Don Lemon, disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, as part of a protest called “Operation Pullup.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Activists led by Nekima Levy-Armstrong, Don Lemon, Cities Church congregants, and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Sunday, January 18, at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The [Civil Rights Division] is investigating the potential violations of the federal FACE Act by these people desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers” – Harmeet Dhillon

🎯IMPACT: The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into potential violations of the FACE Act, with Don Lemon possibly being a target.

IN FULL

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened an investigation into a protest that disrupted a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, after leftist extremist activists entered the sanctuary and halted the service for roughly 30 minutes. The demonstration was led by activist Nekima Levy-Armstrong and organized by the Racial Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota under the name “Operation Pullup.” Disgraced former CNN host Don Lemon accompanied the group, embedded with the protesters, and conducted interviews during the disruption. Congregants were forced to flee as the unrest unfolded inside the church.

Lemon defended the extremists by comparing their tactics to those used during the civil rights movement and argued that the First Amendment protects such actions. “There is nothing in the Constitution that tells you what time you can protest. You can protest at any time,” he said.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said the incident is being reviewed for potential violations of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which also protects access to religious worship. Dhillon said, “The [Civil Rights Division] is investigating the potential violations of the federal FACE Act by these people desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers.”

The protest targeted Cities Church because activists allege that one of its pastors works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Levy-Armstrong said, “They cannot pretend to be a house of God while harboring someone who is directing ICE agents to wreak havoc upon our community.” The church’s lead pastor, Jonathan Parnell, who is not the pastor accused of working for ICE, confronted Lemon during the protest and condemned the disruption, saying, “It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship.”

The incident has drawn national attention. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the protest and said President Donald J. Trump will not tolerate harassment of Christians in their places of worship.

The disruption comes amid a broader rise in hostility toward churches across the United States. Recent data has shown a sharp increase in attacks on American churches, including vandalism, arson, and intimidation, raising concerns among religious liberty advocates about the safety of worshippers.

Minnesota has also been the site of heightened unrest tied to immigration enforcement and law enforcement activity. Following a recent ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis, President Trump blamed the “radical left” for subsequent attacks on law enforcement and warned that continued instability could prompt extraordinary federal measures. Earlier this month, Trump said he was considering invoking the Insurrection Act in response to ongoing unrest in the state.

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January 19, 2026
Immigration
Politics

Trump Calls for Ilhan Omar’s Imprisonment or Deportation to Somalia.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump criticized Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in a Truth Social post, accusing her of having known about widespread social services fraud schemes linked to Minnesota’s Somali community and claiming she should face legal consequences or be sent back to Somalia.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Rep. Omar, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump’s remarks were posted on Truth Social on Sunday night, January 18, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “She should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia, considered one of the absolutely worst countries in the World,” Trump wrote.

🎯IMPACT: The remarks have sparked renewed controversy over Omar’s Somali background and her criticism of the U.S., especially amid the ongoing fraud investigations in Minnesota.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump, in a Truth Social post on Sunday night, accused Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) of being complicit in what he called “19 Billion Dollars in Minnesota Somalia Fraud.” Trump wrote, “Fake ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan Omar, a constant complainer who hates the USA, knows everything there is to know. She should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia, considered one of the absolutely worst countries in the World.”

Omar, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019, was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. Notably, her father served in the Somali military under the country’s former dictator, Siad Barre, whose government fell in 1991 after decades of rights abuses, corruption, and the infamous Isaaq genocide. Rep. Omar is also accused of having committed visa fraud by engaging in a sham marriage with her brother.

Trump also blasted Minnesota’s opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offers in the state, writing, “ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals in the World from our Country, and bring them back home, where they belong. Why is Minnesota fighting this? Do they really want murderers and drug dealers to be ensconced in their community?”

The President further accused Omar and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) of using protests against ICE to distract from what he alleged was massive fraud in the state. “The crooked Governor and ‘Congresswoman’ Omar, who married her brother, don’t mind because it keeps the focus of attention off the 18 Billion Dollar, Plus, FRAUD, that has taken place in the State! Don’t worry, we’re on it!” he added.

The controversy follows Omar’s recent tirade against the U.S., where she referred to the country negatively as the “U.S. Goddamn States.” This comment drew sharp backlash from Republican lawmakers, including Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), who questioned, “What should be the consequence of saying that?” Billionaire space and technology mogul Elon Musk responded, “Whatever the penalty is for treason.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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January 19, 2026
Crime
Immigration

Students Gang Raped, Sexually Assaulted in Migrant ‘Integration’ Experiment.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Students living alongside asylum seekers at Stek Oost in the Netherlands reported years of sexual assaults, violence, and harassment, according to an investigation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Students, migrants, local authorities, and Stadgenoot, the housing association managing Stek Oost.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Stek Oost in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; attacks reported from its opening in 2018 to present.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We were completely overwhelmed. We no longer wanted to be responsible for the safety of the complex.” – Mariëlle Foppen, Stadgenoot representative.

🎯IMPACT: Stek Oost is set to close by 2028, with reports of ongoing safety issues continuing to affect students and staff.

IN FULL

An investigation has found that Dutch students living at the Stek Oost housing complex in Amsterdam endured years of sexual assault, intimidation, and violence while sharing accommodation with migrants under a government-backed integration initiative. Stek Oost opened in 2018 with 125 students and 125 asylum seekers living side by side. The project promoted a “buddy” system intended to help migrants integrate into Dutch society.

Former residents told the investigative television program Zembla that instead of fostering safety and cooperation, the arrangement exposed students to repeated harassment, stalking, and violent and sexual crime.

One former resident, identified as Amanda, said she was raped in 2019 by a Syrian migrant after he invited her to his room to watch a movie. She reported the incident to police, but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. The same man was arrested in 2022 and later convicted of raping two residents of the complex. He received a short three-year prison sentence in 2024. Students also reported other violent incidents, including a case in which a man said he was threatened with an eight-inch kitchen knife by a migrant.

Residents said they repeatedly raised concerns with authorities but felt their complaints were not taken seriously. Police confirmed receiving seven reports of sexual assault connected to Stek Oost, though they claim they have no record of a reported gang rape mentioned by students interviewed for a documentary about the site.

Stadgenoot, the housing association managing the complex, sought to close Stek Oost as early as 2023, citing ongoing safety risks. Local authorities initially opposed shutting it down, but the project is now scheduled to end in 2028 when its contract expires. Stadgenoot representative Mariëlle Foppen described the strain on staff, saying, “We were completely overwhelmed. We no longer wanted to be responsible for the safety of the complex.”

The revelations have renewed debate over migrant integration failures, coming amid wider scrutiny of migrant-linked sexual violence across Europe. Recent criminal cases and official statistics in several European countries have highlighted the disproportionate involvement of recently arrived migrants in serious sexual offences. However, in some instances, populist politicians have faced penalties for publicly citing government crime data related to migrant rape statistics.

Image by cottonbro studio.

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January 19, 2026
Economy
News

Weight Loss Drugs Could Save Airlines Hundreds of Millions of Dollars, Here’s Why…

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Airlines may see cost savings on fuel if weight loss drugs contribute to lighter passengers, according to a Jefferies Research Services analysis.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jefferies Research Services, major U.S. airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, and weight loss drug manufacturers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The analysis comes as weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy gain popularity in the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Airlines have a long history of searching for unique methods to reduce the weight of the aircraft, in turn reducing fuel consumption and limiting an airline’s largest cost bucket,” analysts said in the report.

🎯IMPACT: A 10 percent slimmer society could lead to $580 million in annual fuel savings for the top four U.S. carriers.

IN FULL

Airlines could benefit financially if weight loss medications lead to lighter passengers, as fuel costs are directly tied to the weight of an aircraft. Jefferies Research Services—a global research, macro strategy, and equity insights firm that advises major investors—recently analyzed the potential savings and found that slimmer passengers could reduce fuel consumption and boost airline earnings.

The analysis notes that a 10 percent reduction in average passenger weight could lower total airline passenger weight by two percent, resulting in a 1.5 percent reduction in fuel costs and a four percent increase in earnings per share. For the top four U.S. airlines—American, Delta, Southwest, and United—this could mean $580 million in annual fuel savings.

Using a Boeing 737 Max 8 as an example, Jefferies calculated that a 10 percent slimmer passenger base would decrease the aircraft’s takeoff weight from 181,200 pounds to 177,996 pounds. This weight reduction translates into significant savings, as airlines spend billions annually on jet fuel, and profits are often dependent on the companies meeting very slim margins.

“Airlines have a long history of searching for unique methods to reduce the weight of the aircraft, in turn reducing fuel consumption and limiting an airline’s largest cost bucket,” the report noted. While airlines can control many aspects of weight reduction, passenger weight has always been beyond their control.

The analysis comes as weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy gain popularity and become more widely accessible. “With the drug now available in pill form and obesity rates falling, broader usage could have further implications for waistlines,” the analysis notes regarding the widespread availability of GLP-1 drugs. The National Pulse reported in November of last year that President Donald J. Trump cut a deal to bring down prices for select weight loss medications. “This is a triumph for American patients that will save lives and improve the health of millions and millions of Americans,” he said during an Oval Office announcement.

Image by Quintin Soloviev.

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January 19, 2026
News

Trump Reiterates Need for ‘Complete and Total Control’ of Greenland in Message to Norwegian PM.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump reiterated the need for “total” U.S. control over Greenland in a message to the Prime Minister of Norway.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and various NATO figures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The text exchange occurred recently, with follow-up meetings planned between NATO and Danish officials.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” – President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s statements have intensified debate over U.S. foreign policy under Trump and the NATO alliance.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has reiterated his strong desire for the United States to gain “complete and total control” of Greenland, arguing that global security depends on it in a message to the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre. “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway?” he demanded, adding: “There are no written documents, it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also.”

“I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States,” he continued, concluding: “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”

Earlier in the message, the U.S. leader had warned, “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.” Prime Minister Støre subsequently complained that an independent committee awards Nobel Prizes, not the Norwegian government.

Støre confirmed receiving the message on Sunday, describing it as a reply to an earlier joint outreach from him and Finnish President Alexander Stubb after they had urged de-escalation amid the Greenland dispute. This followed Trump having threatened to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from eight NATO allies—including Denmark, Norway, and others—starting February 1, with potential increases to 25 percent by June, unless progress is made toward U.S. acquisition of Greenland.

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January 18, 2026
Crime
News

Foreigners Responsible for Most Train Thefts, Huge Share of Violent and Sexual Crimes.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Data from the British Transport Police (BTP) revealed that foreign nationals accounted for 79 percent of all arrests for theft on British trains in 2025, and 40 percent of all railway arrests overall.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: British Transport Police, the Centre for Migration Control (CMC) think tank, and foreign nationals involved in various offenses.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data pertains to arrests across England, Wales, and Scotland in 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They have made our trains unsafe. It is the responsibility of any sane government to end immigration and begin a programme of mass deportations to protect the British people,” said Robert Bates, research director at CMC.

🎯IMPACT: The data has prompted calls for stricter immigration policies, with recommendations for immediate deportations of foreign nationals convicted of crimes.

IN FULL

Foreign nationals accounted for a large share of arrests on Britain’s rail network in 2025, according to figures released by the British Transport Police (BTP) following a Freedom of Information request from the Centre for Migration Control (CMC). The data shows that foreign nationals were responsible for 79 percent of all theft arrests on British trains and 40 percent of arrests overall across the railway system.

The CMC said the figures also point to disproportionate involvement by foreign nationals in other serious crimes on the rail network. According to the group’s analysis, foreign nationals made up 40 percent of arrests for drug-related offenses, 37 percent of arrests for sexual offenses, and 36 percent of arrests for violent crime. Overall, they accounted for 37.7 percent of all railway arrests. “We have imported a huge problem,” the CMC said in a post on X.

CMC research director Robert Bates blamed government immigration policy for the trend. “They have made our trains unsafe. It is the responsibility of any sane government to end immigration and begin a programme of mass deportations to protect the British people,” he said. The CMC has also called for the introduction of a visa “red list” barring entry from certain countries whose nations have high rates of criminality, similar to policies implemented by President Donald J. Trump, and for legal changes to ensure foreign nationals convicted of crimes are deported immediately.

The railway data aligns with broader crime statistics that have fueled debate over immigration and public safety. Recent analyses of conviction records indicate that migrants were significantly overrepresented in sexual offense convictions compared with Britons, with foreign nationals estimated to be around 70 percent more likely to be convicted of sex crimes during the early 2020s.

Concerns have also been raised about enforcement, with reports suggesting that staffing shortages and administrative pressures have led to some foreign criminals being wrongly released rather than removed from the country.

Similar patterns have been reported elsewhere in Western Europe. In France, foreigners were responsible for 64 percent of violent crimes on Paris public transport in 2024, with North Africans disproportionately represented. In Germany, foreigners accounted for 59 percent of sexual crimes committed on trains and at train stations in 2024.

Image by Andrew Abbott.

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January 17, 2026
News

Trump Stuns With Sweeping Greenland Acquisition Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Trump announced tariffs on countries obstructing the U.S. purchase of Greenland.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald J. Trump and countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tariffs to begin on February 1st, 2026, with an increase on June 1st, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs.” – Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Tariffs aimed at compelling a deal for the U.S. purchase of Greenland, citing national security concerns.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced new tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. These tariffs are in response to these nations’ obstruction of the United States’ efforts to purchase Greenland.

The tariffs will start at 10% on February 1st, 2026, and will increase to 25% on June 1st, 2026. Trump argues that these tariffs are necessary to protect global peace and security, as the strategic importance of Greenland is paramount.

“We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration,” Trump stated, emphasizing the need for Denmark to “give back” as world peace is at stake.

The former president also highlighted concerns over other nations, such as China and Russia, expressing interest in Greenland, asserting that only the United States can effectively safeguard this “sacred piece of Land.”

Trump’s statement also mentioned the significant investment in security programs related to “The Golden Dome,” and how acquiring Greenland is crucial for maximizing the potential of these systems. The U.S. remains open to negotiation with Denmark and the other involved nations.

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January 16, 2026
News

Socialist Mayor Hit With Ethics Fine for Concealing $10K Parental Donation.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) was fined $250 for failing to disclose over $10,000 in contributions from her parents during her campaign.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, her parents, and the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The fine was issued following her November election victory in Seattle.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the country… I think that a lot of people of my generation… found it very relatable that during this stressful campaign my parents chipped in to help pay for the cost of their granddaughter’s daycare.” – Katie Wilson

🎯IMPACT: The case highlighted potential loopholes in campaign finance laws and resulted in a small fine.

IN FULL

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) was fined $250 by the City of Seattle’s Ethics and Elections Commission after failing to disclose more than $10,000 in financial support from her parents during her mayoral campaign. The commission ruled that the money constituted campaign contributions, even though Wilson said the funds were used to pay for daycare expenses, and required corrective action to bring the campaign into compliance with city election laws.

According to the commission, the penalty was kept low because the issue had not previously arisen in a Seattle municipal campaign. Commission representative Jessica Pisane said, “It’s the first time it has arisen in a City election campaign.”

Following her victory in November, Wilson defended the assistance she received from her parents, saying, “Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the country, our childcare is off-the-charts expensive and, honestly, I think that a lot of people of my generation, and younger and older, found it very relatable that during this stressful campaign my parents chipped in to help pay for the cost of their granddaughter’s daycare.”

Before entering city politics, Wilson founded the Transit Riders Union. Financial disclosures filed during her campaign showed that she earned between $60,000 and $99,000 annually prior to running for mayor. She also reported additional income from writing as a columnist for left-leaning publications.

Since taking office, Wilson has drawn criticism over several progressive policy positions. She has faced backlash related to public safety after reports that Seattle police officers were being directed to divert many drug abusers away from arrest and toward social service programs, a move critics argue amounts to de facto non-enforcement of drug laws. Wilson’s administration has denied that officers have been told not to make arrests, but the issue has fueled tension with police unions and public safety advocates.

Wilson has also come under national scrutiny following comments about independent journalists reporting on childcare providers in Seattle. After she characterized certain citizen journalists as engaging in harassment, a senior U.S. Justice Department official publicly warned that citizen journalism and asking questions are protected speech under the Constitution.

During her campaign, Wilson supported proposals such as defunding the police and exploring government-run grocery stores, drawing comparisons to other socialist politicians like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Image by nathantain.

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January 16, 2026
Economy
News

GOP Advances Ban on Congressional Stock Trading Without a SINGLE Democrat Supporter.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Republican Representative Bryan Steil’s “Stop Insider Trading Act” passed the House Administration Committee without any Democrat support and moves to the House floor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), Democrat committee members, and other lawmakers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: House Administration Committee markup session on January 14, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The focus of the bill is to prohibit insider trading, not to make elected officials poor.” – Rep. Bryan Steil

🎯IMPACT: The bill aims to restrict insider trading among members of Congress while allowing certain investments.

IN FULL

Representative Bryan Steil (R-WI) advanced his “Stop Insider Trading Act” out of the House Administration Committee without support from a single Democrat, clearing the way for consideration by the full House. The proposal would prohibit members of Congress from purchasing individual stocks and require lawmakers to give seven to 14 days’ notice before selling securities. Investments in index and mutual funds would still be allowed, as would the reinvestment of dividends from previously owned assets.

Democrats claim the bill fails to fully address conflicts of interest arising from lawmakers trading stocks. During a two-hour markup session, Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) proposed requiring “Congress and the President and the Vice President” to fully divest from individual securities. Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX) introduced an amendment mandating complete divestment without exemptions for capital gains taxes.

Steil rejected those proposals, cautioning that mandatory divestment could discourage qualified candidates from seeking office. “Under the amendment offered by our colleague from Texas, that [capital gains tax] would obviously continue to apply, and for some people, that may be a very significant financial impact,” he said. He warned that the added financial burden could cause “some individuals… to not come to Congress—and not because they did anything wrong, but because they had a successful private sector career.”

Democrats attempted one final change when Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) introduced an amendment to prohibit the reinvestment of dividends. Republicans voted it down, with Steil arguing that dividend income does not present insider trading risks. “Those dividends are structured within the company with advanced notice, outside of the control of any given member. It does not carry the risk of insider trading,” he said. He added, “The focus of the bill is to prohibit insider trading, not to make elected officials poor.”

Despite the disagreement over Steil’s bill, concerns about insider trading in Congress have been acknowledged across party lines. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has previously warned that such practices undermine public trust, stating that insider trading occurs among Democrats as well as Republicans and contributes to widespread cynicism about Washington.

Image by Ted Eytan.

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