California Rep. Christopher Cox, President Bush's nominee for chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, disclosed his stock, mutual fund and other assets in early July, the value of which could range from $2.7 million to $5.9 million.
The disclosure is required for Cox's confirmation to the post by the U.S. Senate. The report provides a range in value for each holding. For example, his top two holdings are Smith Barney funds, each worth anywhere from $500,001 to $1 million each. The short-term cash funds track the Standard & Poor's 500 index. He also holds T. Rowe Price Group Inc., Fidelity Investments, Janus Capital Group Inc. and Charles Schwab & Co. funds, as well as several gold stocks, and shares in the Coca-Cola Company.
SEC commissioners are not allowed to participate in matters that could affect their personal finances. Past commissioners have made adjustments, such as selling their stock, to prevent any conflicts.
Cox's confirmation hearing has yet to be scheduled, although at press time the Senate planned to deal with the matter before August.
Democrats have asked the Bush White House to nominate incumbent SEC commissioner Roel C. Campos and staffer Annette L. Nazareth to fill two other openings on the five-member panel.
Cox received an extension on the filing deadline for the routine financial disclosures, which were released in June.
