Rep. Rob Bresnahan, a first-term Republican from Pennsylvania, has become the most active trader in the state’s congressional delegation despite introducing a bill to ban congressional stock trading. In 2023, he reported 617 stock trades totaling $7.24 million, more than five times as many trades as the next most active trader. The controversy surrounding Bresnahan’s trading has led some Republicans to express concern that his actions may harm his reelection prospects.
Bresnahan’s large number of trades coincides with key legislative moments, such as President Trump’s tariff announcements and votes on the “Big Beautiful Bill.” His largest trade was a sale of $1,001 to $15,000 worth of Centene stock in May, which sparked criticism from Joe Rogan. Bresnahan has stated that he does not trade his own stocks, claiming that trades are executed on his behalf.
Despite announcing plans to establish a blind trust in April, Bresnahan’s spokesperson said the move was too difficult under House Ethics Committee Rules. The Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund recently released a TV ad criticizing Bresnahan for buying oil stocks and selling clean energy shares, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of his trading.
As Democrats prepare to challenge Bresnahan in 2026, some Republicans are warning that his actions may be self-destructive. “Whether he realizes it or not, his continuing scuffles on this issue are making him an even more inviting target for Democrats,” said GOP political consultant Chris Nicholas.
Source: https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/congressional-stock-trading-ban-pennsylvania-rob-bresnahan-20250810.html