Senators' Stock Trades Spark Ethics Outrage

Bipartisan group of lawmakers reported trades in industries they oversee, raising conflict of interest concerns

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A bipartisan group of at least nine U.S. senators reported stock transactions last year involving companies in industries overseen by the committees they serve on, according to a CNN report that has reignited concerns over conflicts of interest and stalled ethics reform on Capitol Hill. The disclosures have alarmed government watchdogs and rank-and-file Americans, even though the trades are currently legal under existing rules.

Why it matters

The reported trades by senators highlight systemic ethical issues in Washington, as lawmakers are able to profit from the same markets they regulate. This has eroded public trust, despite growing voter support for stricter ethics rules and a ban on members trading individual stocks.

The details

The senators whose disclosed trades raised eyebrows include Republican and Democratic members who sit on committees with jurisdiction over the very industries in which they traded stocks. For example, Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., reported investments in up to five healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, which has spent millions lobbying lawmakers and was the subject of recent Senate hearings on drug pricing.

  • The stock trades were reported in financial filings compiled by watchdog group Capitol Trades and reviewed by CNN in 2026.

The players

Sen. Ashley Moody

A Republican senator from Florida who recently introduced a bipartisan bill to ban members of Congress from personally trading stocks, but whose office defended her own stock filings, saying she had no role in directing her investment decisions.

Sen. John Hickenlooper

A Democratic senator from Colorado whose stock trades were among those that raised eyebrows.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma whose stock trades were among those that raised eyebrows.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

A Democratic senator from Rhode Island whose stock trades were among those that raised eyebrows.

Sen. Jerry Moran

A Republican senator from Kansas whose stock trades were among those that raised eyebrows.

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What they’re saying

“It's all extremely troubling”

— Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Acting vice president of the nonpartisan Project on Government Oversight (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.