Kelly adds Foreign Affiars
Freshman Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, has added a third committee to his workload: Foreign Affairs. With Republicans taking over, there are more committee slots to go around, so some Democrats get bumped off committees, while some GOP'ers get to take three. Kelly also will serve on the Education and Labor Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee (where he will chair a subcommittee on technology). From the release announcing the new international gig:
“I am grateful to Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for the opportunity to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Kelly. “I will work to ensure that America’s foreign policy is guided by and rooted in the values and democratic principles that make America a truly exceptional place.”
Representative Kelly said he is humbled by his appointment to the Committee and the opportunity it presents to help shape the national discourse on foreign policy. “When I was sworn in I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I take that oath very seriously,” said Kelly. “We are living in an increasingly dangerous world and any threat against the United States needs to be met with firm resolve. I will always defend our national security and economic interests, and will work to defeat any efforts that undermine those interests.”
While most freshman Congressmen are given only two committee assignments, Representative Kelly said his third assignment will allow him to further represent the interests of the 3rd Congressional District.
“My constituents sent me to Washington to advocate for pro-growth economic policies that will move our nation in the right direction,” said Kelly. “Manufacturers in the 3rd District and across America are closing shop or cutting jobs because of the penalizing and unfair trade policies that impact our ability to compete in the global market. As a businessman, I will work to make sure the concerns of American businesses are heard by the Committee as we work to create a more level playing field with our international trading partners.”