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2020 congressional insider trading scandal Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The 2020 Congressional Insider Trading Scandal

Cheat Sheet:
The 2020 Congressional Insider Trading Scandal Study Guide

The Scandal: Core Allegations and Context

The 2020 congressional insider trading scandal primarily involved allegations of senators trading stocks based on non-public information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies the core of the 2020 congressional insider trading scandal as allegations that senators traded stocks utilizing non-public information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The stock transactions related to the scandal occurred in late 2019, before the pandemic was widely known.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information indicates that the stock transactions associated with the scandal primarily occurred in February 2020, not late 2019, and were linked to the emerging awareness of the pandemic.

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The 2020 congressional insider trading scandal occurred during a period of economic stability and a rising stock market.

Answer: False

Explanation: The scandal occurred during the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic and a significant stock market crash, not a period of economic stability.

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The closed Senate meeting to brief senators on the COVID-19 outbreak occurred on January 24, 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that a closed Senate meeting, intended to brief senators on the COVID-19 outbreak, took place on January 24, 2020.

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The US Capitol building is relevant to the scandal as the location where the implicated senators serve.

Answer: True

Explanation: The US Capitol building serves as the seat of the United States Congress, making it relevant to the scandal as the place where the implicated senators perform their legislative duties.

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The scandal involved allegations that senators used information from a closed-door briefing on the pandemic's potential impact.

Answer: True

Explanation: The scandal involved allegations that senators utilized non-public information obtained from a closed-door briefing concerning the pandemic's potential impact.

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What was the central allegation in the 2020 congressional insider trading scandal?

Answer: Senators traded stocks based on non-public information obtained from a closed-door briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explanation: The central allegation of the 2020 congressional insider trading scandal was that senators traded stocks utilizing non-public information acquired during a closed-door briefing concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

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In which month did the stock transactions related to the scandal primarily occur?

Answer: February 2020

Explanation: The stock transactions associated with the scandal primarily occurred in February 2020.

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What was the broader economic context surrounding the 2020 congressional insider trading scandal?

Answer: The burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic and a significant stock market crash.

Explanation: The 2020 congressional insider trading scandal unfolded during the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic and coincided with a significant stock market crash.

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On what date did the Senate Committees on Health and Foreign Relations hold a closed meeting to brief senators about the COVID-19 outbreak?

Answer: January 24, 2020

Explanation: The Senate Committees on Health and Foreign Relations held a closed meeting to brief senators about the COVID-19 outbreak on January 24, 2020.

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Key Senators and Their Transactions

Senator Kelly Loeffler and her husband made stock transactions totaling over $5 million after the January 24, 2020 briefing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Senator Kelly Loeffler and her husband made stock transactions totaling between $1.275 million and $3.1 million following the January 24, 2020 briefing, not over $5 million.

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Senator David Perdue began buying stock in DuPont, a PPE manufacturer, on the same day as the Senate briefing about the pandemic.

Answer: True

Explanation: Senator David Perdue initiated purchases of stock in DuPont, a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), on the same day as the Senate briefing concerning the pandemic.

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Senator John Hoeven purchased significant stock in health sciences companies before attending the pandemic briefing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates Senator John Hoeven purchased significant stock in health sciences companies *after* attending the pandemic briefing, not before.

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Senator Dianne Feinstein claimed her husband made all investment decisions and that the stock sales were unrelated to the pandemic.

Answer: True

Explanation: Senator Dianne Feinstein asserted that her husband was solely responsible for investment decisions and that the stock sales in question were unrelated to the pandemic.

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On February 7, 2020, Senator Richard Burr publicly stated that the U.S. was ill-prepared for a public health threat like the coronavirus.

Answer: False

Explanation: On February 7, 2020, Senator Burr publicly stated that the U.S. was in a better position than any other country to respond to a public health threat like the coronavirus due to its existing framework.

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Senator Burr and his wife sold stock valued between $628,000 and $1.7 million on February 13, 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: The provided information confirms that Senator Burr and his wife executed stock sales valued between $628,000 and $1.7 million on February 13, 2020.

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Senator Burr's private statement on February 27, 2020, described the virus's transmission as less aggressive than previously seen.

Answer: False

Explanation: Senator Burr's private statement on February 27, 2020, actually described the virus's transmission as 'much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history,' contradicting the assertion that it was less aggressive.

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Senator Burr sold approximately $47,000 worth of stock in OCI, a fertilizer company, in September 2018, just before a significant stock price drop.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Senator Burr sold stock valued at approximately $47,000 in OCI, a fertilizer company, in September 2018. This sale occurred shortly before a significant drop in OCI's stock price.

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Senator Loeffler's husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, is the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Senator Kelly Loeffler's husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, holds the position of chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.

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Senator Feinstein's stock sales occurred in early March 2020, shortly after the pandemic was declared a national emergency.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates Senator Feinstein's stock sales in Allogene Therapeutics occurred on January 31 and February 18, 2020, which predates the declaration of a national emergency and the primary market crash.

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Senator Burr's private statement about the virus's transmission was leaked through a public press conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: Senator Burr's private statement regarding the virus's transmission was leaked through a secret recording, not a public press conference.

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Senator Loeffler sold stock in Citrix Systems after the pandemic briefing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Senator Loeffler and her husband *bought* stock in Citrix Systems after the pandemic briefing, not sold it.

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Senator Feinstein's husband allegedly made investment decisions related to Allogene Therapeutics stock.

Answer: True

Explanation: Senator Dianne Feinstein stated that her husband made the investment decisions related to Allogene Therapeutics stock.

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Senator Burr's stock sales occurred after he publicly downplayed the threat of the coronavirus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Senator Burr's stock sales on February 13, 2020, occurred after his public statement on February 7, 2020, which suggested the U.S. was well-prepared for a public health threat like the coronavirus.

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Senator Loeffler's husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, sold stock valued between $1.2 million and $3 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Senator Loeffler's husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, sold stock valued between $1.275 million and $3.1 million.

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Senator Hoeven purchased stock in health sciences companies five days after the January 24, 2020 briefing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Senator John Hoeven purchased stock in health sciences companies five days after the January 24, 2020 briefing.

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Senator Feinstein sold stock valued between $1.5 million and $6 million in Allogene Therapeutics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Senator Dianne Feinstein's sales of Allogene Therapeutics stock were valued between $1.5 million and $6 million.

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According to the source, what was notable about Senator David Perdue's stock transactions?

Answer: He purchased stock in DuPont, a PPE manufacturer, on the same day as the Senate briefing.

Explanation: It was notable that Senator David Perdue began purchasing stock in DuPont, a PPE manufacturer, on the same day as the Senate briefing concerning the pandemic.

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What explanation did Senator Dianne Feinstein provide for her stock sales?

Answer: She asserted her husband made the decisions and the company was unrelated to coronavirus work.

Explanation: Senator Dianne Feinstein asserted that her husband made the investment decisions and that the company involved was unrelated to coronavirus work.

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Which company's stock did Senator Burr sell in September 2018, shortly before its price dropped significantly?

Answer: OCI

Explanation: In September 2018, Senator Burr sold stock in OCI, a fertilizer company, shortly before its price experienced a significant decline.

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What was Senator Kelly Loeffler's husband's position?

Answer: Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange

Explanation: Senator Kelly Loeffler's husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, holds the position of Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.

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Senator John Hoeven purchased stock in which type of companies shortly after the pandemic briefing?

Answer: Health sciences companies

Explanation: Shortly after the pandemic briefing, Senator John Hoeven purchased stock in health sciences companies.

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What was the approximate value range of Senator Dianne Feinstein's stock sales in Allogene Therapeutics?

Answer: $1.5 million to $6 million

Explanation: Senator Dianne Feinstein's sales of Allogene Therapeutics stock were valued between $1.5 million and $6 million.

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Which senator made 112 stock transactions, including buying DuPont stock on the day of the Senate briefing?

Answer: David Perdue

Explanation: Senator David Perdue made 112 stock transactions, including buying DuPont stock on the day of the Senate briefing.

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Which of the following statements accurately describes Senator Burr's stock sales?

Answer: He sold stock valued between $628,000 and $1.7 million on February 13, 2020.

Explanation: Senator Burr sold stock valued between $628,000 and $1.7 million on February 13, 2020.

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What was the alleged connection between Senator Loeffler's stock transactions and the pandemic briefing?

Answer: She sold stocks valued between $1.2M and $3.1M following the briefing.

Explanation: The alleged connection is that Senator Loeffler sold stocks valued between $1.2 million and $3.1 million following the pandemic briefing.

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What was the nature of the stock transaction involving Senator John Hoeven?

Answer: He purchased $250,000 worth of stock in health sciences companies.

Explanation: Senator John Hoeven purchased $250,000 worth of stock in health sciences companies shortly after the pandemic briefing.

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Who was identified as the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange and husband to Senator Kelly Loeffler?

Answer: Jeffrey Sprecher

Explanation: Jeffrey Sprecher, the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, is identified as the husband of Senator Kelly Loeffler.

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What did Senator Burr state in a private luncheon on February 27, 2020, regarding the virus?

Answer: That the virus was 'much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history.'

Explanation: In a private luncheon on February 27, 2020, Senator Burr stated that the virus was 'much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history.'

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Legislative Framework: The STOCK Act

The STOCK Act, allegedly violated by the senators, permits members of Congress to trade stocks using non-public information.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the STOCK Act prohibits members of Congress from trading stocks based on non-public information; it was enacted to prevent insider trading by elected officials.

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The STOCK Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2012.

Answer: False

Explanation: The STOCK Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012.

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Only three senators voted against the STOCK Act when it was introduced: Richard Burr, Jeff Bingaman, and Tom Coburn.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Senators Richard Burr, Jeff Bingaman, and Tom Coburn were the only three senators who voted against the STOCK Act upon its introduction.

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The STOCK Act was introduced by Senator Joe Lieberman.

Answer: True

Explanation: The STOCK Act was introduced by Senator Joe Lieberman.

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The STOCK Act was enacted in 2012.

Answer: True

Explanation: The STOCK Act was enacted into law in 2012.

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When was the STOCK Act, aimed at preventing insider trading by members of Congress, signed into law?

Answer: April 4, 2012

Explanation: The STOCK Act, designed to prevent insider trading by members of Congress, was signed into law on April 4, 2012.

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Which of the following senators was NOT among the three who voted against the STOCK Act?

Answer: Dianne Feinstein

Explanation: Senators Richard Burr, Jeff Bingaman, and Tom Coburn voted against the STOCK Act. Dianne Feinstein was not among these three.

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The STOCK Act was introduced to prevent insider trading by which group?

Answer: Members of Congress and other government employees

Explanation: The STOCK Act was introduced to prevent insider trading by members of Congress and other government employees.

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Public and Media Reactions

ProPublica was the first news outlet to report on the stock sales of senators like Burr and Loeffler in March 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: ProPublica was the first news outlet to publish reports detailing stock sales by senators such as Burr and Loeffler shortly before the market correction.

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Tucker Carlson defended Senator Burr against allegations of insider trading on his show.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Tucker Carlson did not defend Senator Burr; he called for Senator Burr's resignation and prosecution for insider trading on his show.

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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged Senator Burr to resign due to the scandal.

Answer: True

Explanation: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for Senator Burr's resignation due to the scandal.

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Representative Doug Collins criticized Senator Kelly Loeffler for allegedly profiting from the public's economic hardship during the pandemic.

Answer: True

Explanation: Representative Doug Collins criticized Senator Kelly Loeffler by stating she was profiting from the public's economic hardship during the pandemic.

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Representative Greg Gianforte was accused of insider trading related to investments in a company manufacturing ventilators.

Answer: False

Explanation: Representative Greg Gianforte was accused of insider trading related to investments in a manufacturer of hydroxychloroquine, not ventilators.

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Greg Gianforte defended himself by stating his investments were managed through a blind trust.

Answer: True

Explanation: Representative Greg Gianforte defended himself against accusations of insider trading by asserting that all his investments were managed through a blind trust.

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Senator Burr's spokesperson responded to NPR's inquiry about alleged violations with a detailed explanation of his investment strategy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Senator Burr's spokesperson initially responded to NPR's inquiry with 'lol' before providing a brief clarification, rather than a detailed explanation of his investment strategy.

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Representative Joaquin Castro called for Senator Burr to resign.

Answer: False

Explanation: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for Senator Burr's resignation, while Representative Joaquin Castro called for an investigation into the stock selling activities, not specifically for Burr's resignation.

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Which news outlet first published reports detailing stock sales by senators like Burr and Loeffler shortly before the market correction?

Answer: ProPublica

Explanation: ProPublica was the first news outlet to publish reports detailing stock sales by senators such as Burr and Loeffler shortly before the market correction.

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How did Tucker Carlson react to the allegations against Senator Richard Burr?

Answer: He called for Senator Burr's resignation and prosecution.

Explanation: Tucker Carlson reacted to the allegations against Senator Richard Burr by calling for his resignation and prosecution.

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Which representative called for an investigation into the stock selling activities of senators?

Answer: Joaquin Castro

Explanation: Representative Joaquin Castro called for an investigation into the stock selling activities of senators.

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What defense did Representative Greg Gianforte offer against accusations of insider trading?

Answer: He stated all investments were managed through a blind trust.

Explanation: Representative Greg Gianforte defended himself against accusations of insider trading by stating that all his investments were managed through a blind trust.

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What was the initial response from Senator Burr's spokesperson when asked for comment by NPR?

Answer: An informal and dismissive reply ('lol').

Explanation: When initially asked for comment by NPR, Senator Burr's spokesperson responded with 'lol' before providing a brief clarification.

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