The Wall Street Journal

Why Lawmakers Don’t Want to Ban Their Own Stock Trading

GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan campaigned on ending the practice, but has become a top trader after entering office

Rep. Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania
Rep. Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania Photo: Aimee Dilger/ZUMA Press

WASHINGTON—While running for Congress last year, Republican Rob Bresnahan—like most Americans—hated the idea of lawmakers making money by trading individual stocks in elected office and said he wanted to ban the practice.

Then he won his race. 

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