Bresnahan’s First Six Months: Business-Focused Agenda Sparks Praise and Pushback in PA-8

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Congressman Rob Bresnahan, six months into his first term representing Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, has carved out a reputation as a business-first lawmaker—an approach that’s winning some local support while drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups and voters concerned about healthcare and party-line voting.

The River Reporter‘s Liam Mayo described Bresnahan’s tenure so far as defined by “a strong business through line,” noting the congressman’s deep roots in private industry as the former head of a third-generation electrical contracting company. That business-minded perspective has informed much of his legislative agenda, including controversial support for expanding fracking in the Northern Pennsylvania (NIPA) region.

Fracking Push Draws Ire from Environmentalists
As Mayo reported, one of Bresnahan’s most polarizing moves came during a visit with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, where the congressman framed fracking as a critical opportunity for economic development in the region. He specifically touted its potential to power energy-hungry industries like AI server centers and to spur growth more broadly in the local economy.

Environmental groups, however, have forcefully pushed back, echoing national criticisms that new fossil fuel development is unnecessary and environmentally hazardous. Critics argue that Bresnahan’s justification for fracking places business interests over environmental stewardship in a region where natural resource preservation has long been a key issue.

Storm Recovery Advocacy Amid Federal Uncertainty
Bresnahan has also made headlines for his hands-on response to severe weather events in places like Honesdale and Scranton. He was on the ground just days after stormwater caused serious damage in Honesdale, and he has actively advocated for federal funding to aid in recovery.

Of particular note was his effort to protect a FEMA grant program from proposed Trump-era budget cuts. Mayo reports that Scranton had been awaiting $2.5 million from the program, and Bresnahan authored letters and introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding those funds. While it remains unclear how effective these efforts have been in securing results, Bresnahan’s early responsiveness has been visible and vocal, according to Mayo.

Healthcare Stance Sparks Voter Backlash
Despite that local advocacy, Mayo says Bresnahan is facing criticism from constituents over his voting record on healthcare. He initially signaled support for Medicaid but later voted for a sweeping spending bill—referred to by some as the “big beautiful bill”—that included cuts to the program. Letters to the editor in The River Reporter have called him out for what many see as a betrayal of earlier promises.

In a statement defending his vote, Bresnahan claimed the changes would “secure Medicaid for those who truly need it” by tightening eligibility and requiring work for able-bodied recipients. But analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, cited by New York Focus, suggests the changes could result in 8.6 million Americans losing coverage by 2034.

Veterans Legislation Sees Bipartisan Progress
Mayo says Bresnahan’s most significant legislative success to date has been a bill aimed at streamlining the Veterans Affairs claims process. The bill passed the House and is now in the Senate. It would require the VA to contract with a federally funded research group to recommend simplified and more accessible forms for veterans and their families—potentially addressing a long-standing barrier to benefits access.

A Political Vacuum and a 2026 Battleground
The political landscape in PA-8 was shaken last week by the announcement from former Congressman Matt Cartwright that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Cartwright cited the stress of the job and a desire to make space for new voices as key reasons for his decision.

With Bresnahan having narrowly won the district in 2024—garnering just 50.94% of the vote—Mayo says Democrats may view the district as a key battleground in their efforts to retake the House. Cartwright described a “deep bench” of Democratic talent in Northeastern Pennsylvania, signaling a competitive primary and general election ahead.

Looking toward 2026, Mayo says the defining issue may be who controls the narrative around Bresnahan’s record: whether voters see him as a pro-business pragmatist fighting for local jobs, or as a party-line politician undermining environmental protections and public healthcare.

Image Credit: Liam Mayo/The River Reporter