Congress Posts Member Financial Data Online

House Speaker John Boehner bought stock in two health care companies this year, while third-ranking House
Republican Kevin McCarthy bought and sold Apple stock within a few days. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid bought two government bonds and sold two others.

The leaders' financial transactions were among the initial public disclosures required under the Stock Act, legislation passed in March to ensure that government officials do not profit from inside information learned during their official duties. The legislation required frequent disclosures of financial transactions that previously were only required annually.

The initial disclosures for members of Congress were posted Monday on the Internet. Similar postings for the executive branch are scheduled for later this year.

Congress passed the law as part of an effort to repair its sagging public image.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)