On the recordMarch 22, 2012
I thank the Chairman. We are certainly taking a significant step forward, on behalf of the American people, toward restoring some faith our country has in their government. I wish to thank Leader Reid for his leadership, Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins, Senator Brown, and all our colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked so hard to pass this legislation. I wish to thank my colleague from New York, Louise Slaughter, who fought so hard and so long toward this effort. This legislation was a rare instance where 96 Senators came together to deliver results for the American people. We passed a strong bill with teeth that will clearly and expressly make it illegal for Members of Congress, their staff, and their families to gain personal profits from nonpublic information gained through their service. I strongly believe we have to make it clear no one is above the law and that Members of Congress need to play by the exact same rules as every other American. It is simply the right thing to do. This is a commonsense bill and Americans can be assured our only interest is in their interest. When President Obama signs the STOCK Act, we will have begun to restore the public's faith in Washington. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired. The Senator from Maine.
