House Ethics Committee Report on Mike Kelly

The House Ethics Committee recently released a report examining the insider trading allegations against Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Mike Kelly. This 23-page document, published on Friday, mostly exonerated him on the specific allegations but did uncover “substantial evidence” indicating violations of official conduct standards.

The inquiry into Kelly began in July 2021 when it was alleged that his spouse bought shares in the Iron Company based on confidential information she obtained through her official duties.

“My family and I look forward to putting this distraction behind us,” Kelly stated.

The investigation took nearly four years, leading the Congressional Office of Conduct to conclude that there was a significant reason for the stock purchase tied to confidential info Kelly likely accessed in his role. Yet, the report noted that it “cannot be definitively stated” that either Kelly or his wife were aware of this information, citing a “lack of cooperation” from them during the inquiry.

The committee expressed particular concern about Kelly’s actions throughout the investigation. Notably, his wife acquired additional shares during this time, and Kelly did not timely disclose this purchase, failing to answer committee questions regarding it.

The report suggested that both Rep. Kelly and his wife should divest their shares in the company before he takes any official action involving it. It also indicated that Kelly did not acknowledge the seriousness of the alleged misconduct and that his investigation contravened the principles of official conduct.

In a statement to Blaze News, Kelly characterized the ongoing investigation as a mere “distraction,” arguing that it unnecessarily lingered for nearly five years and claiming he advocated for the 1,400 workers at the factory affected by the Biden administration’s energy policies.

“My family and I look forward to putting this distraction behind us,” he reiterated.