Commonsense Steps to Restore Trust

Growing up in Gering, I learned early on that commitment is key. Reputation and relationships are built by keeping one's commitments. This principle has guided me throughout my life and continues to shape my work in Congress today. 
  
In Nebraska, a handshake still means something. That sense of trust between neighbors is part of what makes our communities strong. It is something we value deeply and something worth protecting. Unfortunately, that same level of trust is in short supply in Washington. 
 
According to the Pew Research Center, just 17 percent of Americans say they trust the federal government to do what is right most or all of the time. That number should concern every elected official, regardless of party. It reflects a growing belief that Washington is no longer working for the people it was meant to serve. 
 
In an environment filled with constant finger-pointing and political theater, it is difficult to separate public service from personal gain. The American people deserve better. They deserve leaders who act in the best interest of their constituents, not themselves. Serving the American people is a privilege, not a pathway to profit. 
 
That is why I introduced the PREDICT Act alongside Representative Budzinski of Illinois. This bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense approach to restoring trust by putting clear guardrails in place. In short, it would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children, the President and Vice President, and other senior government officials and employees, from betting on the outcomes of political events, policy decisions, and other government actions through prediction markets. 
 
Prediction markets are a growing industry, and like any emerging financial instrument, they present both opportunities and risks. Without proper safeguards, individuals with access to sensitive, nonpublic information could exploit these markets for personal gain. That undermines the integrity of our institutions and erodes public confidence even further. 
  
The PREDICT Act addresses this directly. It holds bad actors accountable by imposing meaningful penalties, which include fines and the return of any profits made through prohibited transactions. The message is simple: if you have access to non-public information, you should not be able to use it to make money. 
  
This bill is about accountability, transparency, and restoring faith in government. It is about ensuring decisions made in Washington are driven by what is best for the country, not personal financial interests. 
  
I know rebuilding trust will not happen overnight. But it starts with taking clear, decisive steps to show the American people their leaders are committed to doing what is right. I’m proud to work with Representative Budzinski on this effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation forward—for Nebraska and for the nation.