Washington Today Weekend Edition: Ban Individual Stock Trading by Members of Congress, Sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia, and Chris Matthew's book "Lessons from Bobby."
Nov 22, 2025
Brad Bowman, a defense policy expert, dives into the potential sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia, highlighting its implications for Middle Eastern power dynamics. Meanwhile, Chris Matthews, a seasoned political commentator, shares insights from his book about Robert F. Kennedy, emphasizing RFK's enduring influence on American unity and his ability to bridge divides. Matthews also reflects on the importance of acknowledging mistakes and the lessons we can draw from Kennedy's legacy, revealing how his character continues to resonate today.
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Stock Act Was Transparency, Not A Strong Deterrent
- The STOCK Act created disclosure rules to curb perceived or actual insider trading by members of Congress.
- Enforcement has been weak, making the law more a transparency measure than a robust insider-trading deterrent.
Tiny Fines Undermine Disclosure Rules
- Disclosure penalties under the STOCK Act are minimal and often waived by congressional ethics committees.
- The practical fine for first-time disclosure violations can be as low as $200 and lacks transparent enforcement.
Ban Individual Stock Trading For Lawmakers
- The Restore Trust in Congress Act would bar members and their families from trading individual stocks.
- Lawmakers could still hold mutual funds and retirement accounts to avoid direct conflicts of interest.
