Arizona Congresswoman Alleges Corruption by House Natural Resources Chair Over Stock Dealings

In a recent congressional hearing, Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari (D) made serious allegations against Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman regarding stock trades he executed. Ansari accused Westerman, the chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, of corruption stemming from over $1.6 million in stock transactions linked to companies under his committee’s oversight.

On May 6, Ansari brought attention to the unusual nature of these trades, noting that Westerman’s recent investments marked the first time he engaged in such actions since joining Congress a decade ago. “We know that a member of this committee bought up to $1.675 million in stock and sold up to $150,000 throughout the month of March,” she stated.

Westerman’s financial disclosures reveal that he purchased shares from nearly 100 companies in March, including major oil and gas firms like Exxon Mobil and Chevron. Ansari emphasized the conflict of interest inherent in Westerman’s trading activities while he was also advocating for legislation that could benefit these same companies.

“The corruption has to end. These purchases and sales took place while he was writing a bill that heavily favors oil and gas companies,” Ansari asserted. According to Politico, Republicans assert that this bill could generate $18 billion in revenue by expanding fossil fuel production on public lands.

In response, Westerman claimed he was unaware of the stock purchases, which he stated were managed by an investment advisor. He defended his actions, insisting there was nothing amiss about the transactions.

Ansari plans to propose an amendment to legislation that would prevent Congress members from trading individual stocks and prohibit insider trading. “This will make members think twice before engaging in questionable financial dealings,” she remarked.