Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett has ignited fresh controversy over congressional stock trading practices, delivering scathing remarks about lawmakers who achieve extraordinary investment returns while having access to classified information and advance knowledge of government decisions.
In a candid discussion on the Tucker Carlson Show, Burchett questioned how certain members of Congress manage to secure returns of 500-600% on their investments, suggesting the gains are far beyond what could be achieved through ordinary market participation.
“Do you honestly believe members of Congress are making five and six hundred percent return on their investment?” Burchett asked pointedly, adding that observers have encountered “some of these guys” and noting with bluntness, “I mean, they can’t come in out of the rain, some of them.”
The congressman pointed to specific examples involving defense contracts and Ukraine military aid to illustrate his concerns about potential conflicts of interest. He described a pattern where members of Congress purchase stock in defense contractors shortly before major government announcements that would benefit those companies.
“When Joe Biden gave our missile defense system,” Burchett explained, referring to equipment sent to Ukraine, “we have to replenish ours, which we should. We can’t be left naked without any of that defense. And guess what? Some of those contractors get a multi-billion with a B dollar no-bid contract.”
The timing, according to Burchett, raises serious questions: “Who do you think has bought stock in that company? Members of Congress two weeks prior to the president making that official notice. And you see it time and time again.”
Burchett, who has consistently opposed Ukraine funding, emphasized the human cost of policies that benefit defense industry portfolios. “War is great for business, it’s great for the economy, but it’s not good for ourselves,” he said, adding bluntly, “Killing people is not good. I know that’s a controversial statement.”
Despite widespread public support for banning congressional stock trading, Burchett revealed that bipartisan legislation he has co-sponsored with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chip Roy, and others has stalled. The bill would prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks while in office.
“We’ve got a bill, but it’s not going anywhere,” Burchett said. “Why? Because too many members of Congress benefit from current rules.”
According to Burchett, congressional leadership has defended the status quo by arguing that lawmakers need investment income because their government salaries are insufficient. He rejected this reasoning emphatically.
“We were told by leadership that these guys can’t afford to be here,” Burchett recounted. “You know what? If you can’t afford to be in Congress, go get another job. More people have played professional baseball in the major leagues than have been in United States Congress. It’s a complete—it should be an honor.”
The congressman expressed frustration with the current disclosure system, which requires members to report stock trades but imposes minimal penalties for violations. “All you got to do is disclose it. And then if you don’t disclose it, it’s a slap on the wrist,” he said.
Burchett’s suggestion that lawmakers defend insider trading privileges by claiming inadequate compensation struck him as particularly absurd. Members of Congress currently earn $174,000 annually, placing them well within the top 10% of American household incomes.
The issue of congressional stock trading has garnered bipartisan concern from voters, with polls consistently showing overwhelming public support for restrictions. Yet despite numerous proposed bills and growing pressure, Congress has repeatedly failed to pass meaningful reform.