Congressman Bresnahan Reports 617 Stock Trades Since January

Members of Congress are currently allowed to trade stocks despite rules forbidding the use of insider information, with enforcement being minimal and the practice widespread. Existing laws permit lawmakers on military committees to buy defense stocks, and financial regulators to purchase crypto and bank shares, fueling concerns about conflicts of interest. Momentum is growing for Senate proposals to ban stock trading by members of Congress, including the president and vice president, although some lawmakers argue that restrictions would force unfair divestment and remove financial incentives, given their $174,000 salaries. Among the most scrutinized traders is Rep. Rob Bresnahan, a Pennsylvania Republican and former CEO of his family company, who has executed over 600 trades since taking office this year despite campaigning on banning such trading. Bresnahan attributes his activity to financial advisors managing his trades, but questions remain about why he does not halt the transactions amid rising criticism. This situation spotlights ongoing debates about ethical standards and financial transparency for elected officials amid a volatile stock market.