Congressman Bresnahan Congratulates Himself for Inaction

Letter to the editor criticizes Bresnahan for self-praise despite harmful votes

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A letter to the editor in the Citizens' Voice newspaper criticizes Congressman Bresnahan for congratulating himself in a recent editorial, despite his vote for the 'Big Ugly Bill' that led to 20,000 constituents losing Medicaid benefits. The letter writer argues Bresnahan is more concerned with not upsetting the current president than serving his district.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the growing frustration among constituents with politicians who prioritize political self-interest over serving the needs of their communities. The criticism of Bresnahan's self-congratulatory tone despite harmful policy decisions reflects a broader sentiment that elected officials are increasingly out-of-touch with the struggles of average citizens.

The details

In the letter, the writer accuses Bresnahan of congratulating himself in a recent editorial about the sale of three area hospitals, despite his vote for the 'Big Ugly Bill' that resulted in 20,000 of his constituents losing Medicaid benefits. The letter argues Bresnahan is more concerned with not upsetting the current president than addressing the needs of his district.

  • The letter was published on February 23, 2026.
  • Bresnahan's self-congratulatory editorial was published on February 5, 2026.

The players

Congressman Bresnahan

A U.S. Representative whose district includes the Scranton, Pennsylvania area.

Mike Boylan

A resident of Scranton, Pennsylvania who wrote the letter to the editor criticizing Congressman Bresnahan.

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What they’re saying

“Well I see Congressman Bresnahan did not waste any time congratulating himself for doing absolutely nothing. His comments lauding himself in this paper's editorial section concerning the recent sale of three area hospitals are disgraceful.”

— Mike Boylan, Letter writer (Citizens' Voice)

“Has he no shame? Has he forgotten the approximately 20,000 members of his district who will no longer be receiving Medicaid benefits because of his vote which led to the passage of the 'Big Ugly Bill,' last summer?”

— Mike Boylan, Letter writer (Citizens' Voice)

What’s next

The November 2026 elections will be an opportunity for Bresnahan's constituents to vote for a representative who they feel better serves their interests.

The takeaway

This letter highlights the growing disconnect between elected officials and the communities they serve, as constituents grow increasingly frustrated with politicians who prioritize political self-interest over addressing the real needs of their districts.