The coronavirus pandemic has roiled our country, sent our economy into a tailspin and created a desperate need to support everyday workers who have been devastated by a loss of income.
Now is a critical moment for leaders to step up to the challenge and do what’s best for our country.
How disgusting to learn that U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and others instead used insider knowledge of that coming devastation to do what is best only for themselves. Following Senate updates on the spread of the virus and impact on our country, Burr reportedly sold as much as $1.7 million in stock before the market crashed.
Burr, my Senator in North Carolina, needs to resign. Now. And he needs to be investigated for possibly violating insider trading laws. In fact, all members of the House, Senate and OGE-278 filers (senior government officials) who had access to non-public information on COVID-19 and used it to personally profit should be investigated, whether they are Republicans or Democrats.
I’m running for Congress to restore integrity and accountability to Washington. Nothing erodes public confidence in government more than public servants serving themselves ahead of the interests of their constituents. It’s particularly appalling when personal profit takes priority over public safety during a global pandemic where countless numbers will get sick, scores will die and millions will suffer.
In the meantime, I make this pledge to voters in Western North Carolina today: When I am your representative in Congress, I will place all investments in a blind trust.
We need leaders who are in office to look out for our country, not their own pockets.