Stock Trading Bill Will Not Apply to Her Partner

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has faced scrutiny regarding her financial disclosures after a report indicated that her anti-insider trading bill would not apply to her partner, Maria Brisbane. The Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act, which Baldwin co-sponsored, mandates that members of Congress and their spouses divest or place investments in a blind trust. However, the bill does not cover relationships like Baldwin's with Brisbane, as they are not married. This has raised questions about transparency in Baldwin's financial dealings. Baldwin's opponent, Eric Hovde, has called for her to disclose Brisbane's assets, particularly in light of their jointly purchased $1.3 million home in Washington, D.C. Critics, including the Fix Washington PAC, have accused Baldwin of failing to report jointly held assets and the financial interests of Brisbane's clients, which could conflict with Baldwin's regulatory responsibilities. In response to these allegations, Baldwin released a campaign ad asserting her commitment to banning stock trading by senators. She emphasized her leadership in the fight against insider trading, despite the loophole that allows her partner's financial activities to remain undisclosed under the current legislation. Baldwin's campaign maintains that she adheres to all ethics guidelines regarding financial disclosures. However, the absence of Brisbane's name on Baldwin's Financial Disclosure Reports has raised concerns about the couple's financial transparency, especially since they have been together since 2018 and have significant joint investments.