The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

December 1, 2012

Kelly gets Ways, Means assignment

Herald staff

3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT — U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly is moving on up in Washington with an appointment to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Kelly, Butler, R-3rd District, was tapped for the committee, which is the chief tax-writing committee in the House, Friday by Chairman Dave Camp, according to a release from Kelly’s office.

The congressman, who won re-election to a second term last month, said he was “honored” and “humbled” by the appointment. Kelly noted that the committee – which is in charge of taxes and other revenue-raising measures and oversees Social Security and Medicare – is at the center of a crucial debate.

“We are at a critical time in our nation’s history, with historically high debt and unemployment, and a tax code and regulatory climate that are working against our nation’s recovery. While our challenges are significant, we are uniquely positioned to present solutions that will spur economic growth and get Americans back to work,” Kelly said in a prepared statement.

Since all bills regarding taxation originate in the House, Ways and Means members play a key role in setting national policy.

Members aren’t allowed to serve on any other committees, so Kelly is giving up his spots on Foreign Affairs, Education and Workforce, and Oversight and Government Reform committees.

Kelly made a name for himself on the Oversight committee, with online videos of his “rants” against electric cars, green energy loan programs and other subjects going viral. Kelly was most recently involved in the committee’s hearings on the Sept. 11 attacks on the consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that left the ambassador and three others dead.

Two Republicans who previously represented Mercer County – former 3rd District Rep. Phil English and former 4th District Rep. Melissa Hart – were also members of the Ways and Means Committee.

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