GOP Lawmaker Suffers Blow from House Ethics Committee

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

The House Ethics Committee has determined that Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) violated congressional conduct rules by failing to disclose stock trades made by his wife in the steel company Cleveland-Cliffs. At the time, Kelly was actively advocating for policy protections that would directly benefit the company. Victoria Kelly reportedly bought 5,000 shares of Cleveland-Cliffs after Kelly learned of a pending Commerce Department steel probe, later selling the shares for a profit.

Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

The committee wrote, “Representative Kelly’s conduct with respect to Cleveland-Cliffs and his wife’s stock purchase raised significant concerns for the Committee, even if it did not rise to the level of insider trading or clearly violate conflict of interest rules.”

Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

The committee raised concerns over Victoria's continued stock trades during the investigation and cited Kelly’s inconsistent testimony. It also noted that her lack of cooperation hindered a full review of the transactions.

Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

The report stated, “Mrs. Kelly's subsequent purchase of Cleveland-Cliffs stock despite the ongoing investigation, and Representative Kelly’s failure to timely disclose that purchase and answer questions relating to it, are yet more examples of his failure to recognize the gravity of the allegations in this case and indicate a lack of respect for the committee’s role and processes.”

Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

Though cleared in some areas, the committee urged the Kellys to divest from Cleveland-Cliffs. It cited a strong appearance of impropriety.

Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

Kelly stated, “This investigation has unnecessarily lasted for nearly five years.” He added, “Throughout this process, I have fought for the 1,400 workers at the plant, I’ve spoken with these workers, and they appreciate the hard work we have done to fight for those jobs and for Butler.”

Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly at press conference in Erie, Mike Kelly shakes hands at Trump rally in Butler, Mike Kelly leads St. Patrick, Mike Kelly supports federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly addresses supporters at campaign event, Mike Kelly speaks on federal tax cuts at luncheon, Mike Kelly discusses assassination attempt on Trump

Kelly concluded that he was looking forward “to getting this distraction behind us.”

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.