Democrat shaping AI policy bought chip stocks despite backing congressional trading ban

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) disclosed fresh purchases of AI-linked semiconductor stocks months after backing a congressional trading ban, according to a new financial disclosure. The lawmaker, who helps shape Democratic AI policy as the party prepares to regulate the industry, has not specified the exact size of the new positions. The timing draws scrutiny because Gottheimer voted for a measure that would bar members of Congress from trading individual stocks. The purchases add a potential conflict-of-interest dimension to the AI debate on Capitol Hill. Watch whether the disclosure prompts calls for tighter ethics rules or a primary challenge, and whether other AI-focused lawmakers face similar questions.