STOCK Act Complaint Filed Against Wasserman Schultz

Two lawmakers that have recently been embroiled in controversy over possible ethical violations are Kentucky Senator Rand Paul (R) and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D). The violations in question could be in direct offense to the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, also known as the STOCK Act.

It has just been reported that a government watchdog group pressed the Office of Congressional Ethics last week, asking to for an investigation into Assistant Speaker of the House Katherine Clark (D). Moreover, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust has also filed a complaint against Wasserman Schultz as well as Florida Rep. Kathy Castor (D), arguing that Wasserman Schultz bought stocks that were not disclosed until after the required deadline.

The group is asking for a formal investigation, citing that Clark did not disclose financial transactions that add up to at least $285,000.

The STOCK Act has gained headlines in recent weeks because of allegations against lawmakers that may have profited from using information from their government roles.

Florida Rep. Wasserman Schultz is accused of buying up to $15,000 in stock in Westell Technologies, which is a telecommunications firm. As well, her dependent child is accused of buying up to $45,000 in stock in the same company.

While the purchases were allegedly made in 2020, the purchases were not disclosed until July of 2021.

Business Insider reported on August 2^nd that both Florida lawmakers had received filed complaints.

Kendra Arnold, the executive director of FACT, commented on the filings with Fox News, commenting that “these disclosure reports are the only way for citizens and watchdog organizations to monitor election officials and determine if they are profiting from positions.”

Arnold added that “the only way to determine this in a timely manner is if they file the reports on time,” admitting that “some lawmakers file the reports two years to six months late.”

Wasserman Schultz could face a thought challenge from Republican Carla Spalding, as the two women are set to square off in a rematch of the 2020 presidential election. Spalding, who recently called for Wasserman Schultz to take a cognitive test,  lost to the congresswoman but was able to defeat the veteran congresswoman in Early Voting and on Election Day. Wasserman Schultz bested Spalding in mail-in ballots.