Congressman Bresnahan's Campaign Pledge on Stock Trading Contrasted with His Post-Election Actions

In March of the previous year, Rob Bresnahan, Jr., a Republican business executive with considerable wealth, was campaigning for a seat in the House of Representatives in a closely contested district in northeastern Pennsylvania. He publicly advocated for a ban on stock trading by members of Congress, expressing his views in a letter to the editor published in a local newspaper.

Bresnahan's letter highlighted the erosion of public trust in political leaders and institutions. He pointed to concerns about politicians accumulating substantial wealth while in office, describing it as "sickening." He argued that implementing policies to address this issue was crucial for restoring faith in government.

During his campaign, Bresnahan pledged to co-sponsor legislation that would prohibit stock trading by members of Congress if elected. He emphasized the urgency of ending this practice.

However, more than two months after assuming office, having won against a Democratic incumbent in a highly expensive House race, Bresnahan had not yet introduced or co-sponsored any such legislation. Data from a site that tracks lawmakers' stock market activity indicates that he has become one of the most active stock traders among the newly elected representatives.