Dan Crenshaw claims to struggle financially despite congressional salary
- Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw criticized a proposed law to ban stock trading for Congress members, voicing his discontent with his salary.
- He claimed that he has only invested about $20,000 in the stock market, arguing that he does not benefit from it.
- A poll shows broad public support for the stock trading ban among citizens from both major political parties.
In recent remarks, Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw expressed frustration over a proposed law that would prohibit members of Congress and their spouses from engaging in stock trading. This comment was made alongside his complaints about his salary, which he characterized as insufficient to invest in the stock market. Crenshaw disclosed that he has had approximately $20,000 invested in stocks but argues that with such a low amount, he is not benefiting from market activity as suggested by claims circulated about members of Congress's stock market performance. He also pointed out that his net worth is significantly higher, which brings more scrutiny to his financial situation. Crenshaw, who currently earns a salary of $174,000 annually as a member of Congress, noted that this salary has not seen an increase since 2008. Despite the salary being considered a decent income, he labeled his financial circumstances as inadequate, particularly in the context of stock market investments. His observations were made against the backdrop of a broader conversation among lawmakers about potential conflicts of interest related to stock trading, which has been gaining traction among citizens and politicians alike. Additionally, Crenshaw responded to allegations surrounding his stock trading activities, emphasizing that he has faced unwarranted criticism. He referenced a previous confrontation he had with Fox News host Jesse Watters where he was accused of benefiting improperly from his position in Congress. Crenshaw stated that these accusations lacked any evidence and portrayed his financial situation inaccurately based on misguided public perception. Public opinion appears to favor the proposed stock trading ban for Congress members, with a significant majority supporting the legislation across party lines. A 2023 University of Maryland poll highlighted that approximately 86 percent of Americans, including substantial support from both Republicans and Democrats, were in favor of banning stock trading by lawmakers and their families. These sentiments indicate a growing concern among voters about potential corruption and the ethical implications of stock trading by elected officials.