Center for American Progress

A ban on congressional stock trading is about one thing: Trust
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A ban on congressional stock trading is about one thing: Trust

CAP President and CEO Patrick Gaspard writes about how banning congressional stock trading can help restore trust in government.

As an American ambassador in South Africa, I was confronted with questions about the governance of private resources by public servants. There was a sense that the United States, with its history of transparency in finance and plethora of Good Government groups, had a contribution to make in the fight against corruption.

My audiences were surprised by my candor about our ongoing struggles to restore public confidence in our institutions. I believed that true change was only possible if grounded in a sober recognition of just how difficult it is to establish and maintain integrity in elected office.

The above excerpt was originally published in MarketWatch. Click here to view the full article.

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Author

Patrick Gaspard

President and Chief Executive Officer, Center for American Progress

@patrickgaspard

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