## Senators Trading Stocks: A Comprehensive Guide
**Introduction**
The issue of senators trading stocks has been a contentious topic for decades. Critics argue that it creates a conflict of interest, as senators have access to non-public information that could be used to profit from stock trading. Proponents, on the other hand, maintain that it is important for senators to be able to invest in the economy they represent.
**The Law**
There are no specific laws that prohibit senators from trading stocks. However, there are a number of ethical rules and regulations that they must follow. These rules are designed to prevent senators from using their positions for personal gain.
One of the most important rules is the **Stock Act**, which was passed in 2012. The Stock Act prohibits senators from trading stocks based on non-public information. It also requires senators to disclose any stock trades they make within 45 days.
**Enforcement**
The Stock Act is enforced by the **Senate Ethics Committee**. The committee can investigate allegations of wrongdoing and impose sanctions on senators who violate the law.
**Penalties**
Senators who violate the Stock Act can be subject to a number of penalties, including:
* Fines
* Censure
* Expulsion from the Senate
**Recent Cases**
There have been a number of recent cases in which senators have been accused of violating the Stock Act. In 2020, for example, Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) was accused of selling stock in a company that was developing a COVID-19 vaccine after she received a private briefing on the vaccine.
In 2021, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) was accused of selling stock in companies that were expected to be hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic after he received a private briefing on the virus.
Both Loeffler and Burr were investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee. Loeffler was cleared of any wrongdoing, while Burr was censured by the Senate.
**Public Opinion**
Public opinion on the issue of senators trading stocks is divided. A 2020 poll by Pew Research Center found that 54% of Americans believe that senators should not be allowed to trade stocks. However, 43% of Americans believe that senators should be allowed to trade stocks.
**Conclusion**
The issue of senators trading stocks is a complex one with no easy answers. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, it is up to the American people to decide whether or not they believe that senators should be allowed to trade stocks.
## List of Senators Who Have Traded Stocks
The following is a list of senators who have traded stocks since 2020:
* **Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA)**
* Sold stock in a company that was developing a COVID-19 vaccine after she received a private briefing on the vaccine.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)**
* Sold stock in companies that were expected to be hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic after he received a private briefing on the virus.
* Censured by the Senate.
* **Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)**
* Traded stock in a company that was awarded a contract by the Department of Defense.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)**
* Traded stock in a company that was under investigation by the Department of Justice.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI)**
* Traded stock in a company that was expected to benefit from the Republican tax cuts.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)**
* Traded stock in a company that was awarded a contract by the Department of Energy.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)**
* Traded stock in a company that was expected to benefit from energy legislation.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)**
* Traded stock in a company that was expected to benefit from the Republican tax cuts.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator David Perdue (R-GA)**
* Traded stock in a company that was awarded a contract by the Department of Defense.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
* **Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)**
* Traded stock in a company that was awarded a contract by the Department of Health and Human Services.
* Cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate Ethics Committee.
**Note:** This list is not exhaustive and only includes senators who have been publicly reported to have traded stocks.