Mike Kelly

Kelly, Schneider introduce bipartisan "Brews to Barns Act" to support small breweries & local farmers, strengthen local supply chains

Position: The release supports the Brews to Barns Act, bipartisan legislation creating a federal excise tax credit for small brewers who donate spent grain to local agricultural use, framed as lowering costs for small businesses and farmers and reducing waste.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Brad Schneider (D-IL), a member of the Ways & Means Committee, introduced the bipartisan "Brews to Barns Act," legislation that would establish a credit against the excise tax on beer for small brewers that donate spent grain for local agricultural use. Additional co-sponsors of the Brews to Barns Act include House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA), House Small Brewers Caucus Co-Chair Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), and Representatives Jeff Hurd (R-CO), John Larson (D-CT), and Josh Riley (D-NY). "At their cores, local breweries and farms are small businesses who play integral roles in our communities. The Brews to Barns Act incentivizes a collaborative effort between small breweries and local farmers to strengthen local supply chains. It's a win-win for everyone," said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), a Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. "Everyone in America—from working families to Main Street businesses—is feeling the bite of rising costs. Among those hit hardest are craft beer brewers and local farmers, which is why I am glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to help lower costs and prevent waste," said Rep. Brad Schneider. “Pennsylvania’s farmers, ranchers, and brewers already know that good ingredients shouldn’t go to waste,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson (PA-15). “Across the Commonwealth, brewers continue to create partnerships with local farmers and ranchers to put their spent grain to use in agricultural production. The Brews to Barns Act will provide key incentives to build upon that relationship, helping lower input costs for producers while supporting local small businesses.” “This tax credit for donating spent grain will lower costs for small brewers, benefit our local farmers and ranchers, and keep spent grain out of our landfills” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. “This bill is a common-sense way to lower the cost of doing business, while supporting small brewers that boost our local economies.” WHAT THEY'RE SAYING "When we finish brewing a batch of beer, there's still plenty of nutrients in the grain that farmers can use to feed their livestock. Donating that grain to farmers is something we're proud to do, but it also takes time and resources. Craft brewers, like family farms, are constantly balancing rising costs, so this arrangement benefits both sides," said Jason Lavery, Co-Founder, Lavery Brewing Company in Erie, Pa. "The Brews to Barns Act would provide meaningful tax relief that we could reinvest directly into our brewery, helping us support our employees, upgrade equipment, and build a stronger business while continuing to support our local farmers.” “Small breweries have a long history of supporting their communities, and their relationships with local farmers are an important part of that. By donating spent grain for agricultural use, brewers help turn a byproduct of the brewing process into a valuable resource for farmers," said Bart Watson, President & CEO, Brewers Association. "The Brews to Barns Act recognizes the value of these longstanding partnerships and helps ensure they can continue to thrive. We appreciate Reps. Kelly and Schneider's leadership in supporting the connections between America's brewers and farmers.” You can find full bill text here. Issues:Tax Reform, Small Business, & The Economy

Kelly introduces "Behavioral Health Care Deregulation Act of 2026" to strengthen mental health support for American seniors

Position: Rep. Kelly introduced the Behavioral Health Care Deregulation Act of 2026, which would repeal Medicare's 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services, eliminate cost-sharing for inpatient psychiatric services under state involuntary commitment orders, repeal certain administrative requirements for psychiatric facilities, and temporarily increase Medicare reimbursement for Behavioral Health Integration codes.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), a Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, introduced the Behavioral Health Care Deregulation Act of 2026. This legislation improves mental health care and accessibility for Medicare recipients. According to a 2025 report from the National Council on Aging, "One in five Americans will experience it in their lifetime. And nearly 15% of adults age 50 and older have some type of mental health disorder." "As more Americans seek mental health treatment, it's important for Congress to address these critical issues as well. The Behavioral Health Care Deregulation Act cuts both the red tape and the stigma surrounding mental health care to ensure American seniors have the care they need in their golden years," said Rep. Kelly. BACKGROUND The Behavioral Health Care Deregulation Act of 2026: Repeals Medicare’s 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services. Eliminates cost-sharing (coinsurance/deductibles) for inpatient psychiatric services for individuals admitted under state involuntary commitment orders. Repeals specific administrative and regulatory requirements for inpatient psychiatric facilities to reduce provider burden. Temporarily boosts Medicare reimbursement for Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) codes (175% in 2027, 150% in 2028, 125% in 2029) and waives budget neutrality for these increases. Directs HHS to provide technical assistance and funding to help primary care practices adopt integration models starting January 1, 2027. You can find full bill text here. Issues:Health Care

Kelly meets with U.S. Dept. of Transportation to discuss critical funding for Butler County's "Gateway 228"

Position: Rep. Kelly advocates for additional federal funding to complete the Gateway 228 highway widening and improvement project in Butler County, Pennsylvania.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Thursday, Oct. 15, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA)and Mark Gordon, Chief of Economic Development and Planning of Butler County, Pa., met with officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to advocate for additional funding for Butler County's "Gateway 228" project during a meeting at USDOT headquarters in Washington. From 2018-2020, Rep. Kelly secured $45 million in federal funding for the Gateway 228 project in southern Butler County. "The Gateway 228 project is in the homestretch. I look forward to working with our partners at the federal, state, and local levels to finish one of the most important infrastructure projects in our district," said Rep. Kelly. BACKGROUND Rep. Kelly has been a longtime supporter of the Gateway 228 project, advocating for it in Washington for the last decade. The 26.4-mile project widens and improves traffic flow along State Route 228 between Cranberry Township, Mars, Seven Fields, Valencia, and communities across southern Butler County. In June 2026, Kelly led a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation announcing his support for Butler County’s latest funding request to complete the Mars RR Bridge Extension Project. As of June 2026, 10 of the 11 roadway segments in Gateway 228 have been completed or are under construction for a total investment of $184 million. Route 228 has been called "a critical economic corridor," supporting 6,000 businesses, 5,000+ new homes, and $20 billion in exported freight, according to Butler County officials. Issues:Transportation & Infrastructure

Rep. Mike Kelly, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlight federal support for steel production in Butler

Position: The release highlights federal Department of Energy support for expanded domestic production of grain oriented electrical steel at the Butler Works plant, and describes the representative's opposition to a prior DOE transformer efficiency rule and his sponsorship of legislation to prevent that rule from taking effect and set alternative efficiency standards.

BUTLER, PA -- On Tuesday, October 6, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) joined U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves, and other local officials at Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works plant to highlight recent investments into the plant's production of Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES). Officials shared the progress of the Cleveland-Cliffs' $200 million investment in Butler Works, supported by a $75 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity for a critical material used in electrical transformers that support the nation's power grid. "Thanks to the support of Secretary Wright and the Trump administration, we are strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity for a critical material used in electrical transformers that support the nation's power grid. This steel powering the world is made right here in Butler," said Rep. Kelly. BACKGROUND Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works is the only steel manufacturer in the United States that produces GOES, a critical component for electrical distribution transformers. Securing this supply chain is not only important for local jobs, but also for our national security. In 2024, Kelly led opposition to a Biden-era Department of Energy rule that would have required transformers to use amorphous metal instead of grain oriented electrical steel under strict energy efficiency standards. Pressure from Kelly and members of UAW Local 3303 ultimately forced the Biden administration to revise its rule, protecting the more than 1,300 jobs at the Butler Works plant. Also in 2024, Kelly and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) introduced The Distribution Transformer Efficiency & Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024, legislation that would prevent the DOE rule from taking effect and instead create new standards that increase the energy efficiency of distribution transformers at levels that preserve market opportunities for GOES as well as amorphous steel. Issues:Tax Reform, Small Business, & The Economy

Kelly Backs Bipartisan STORMWATER Act to Strengthen Water Infrastructure and Protect Great Lakes Communities

Position: Rep. Kelly co-sponsors the bipartisan STORMWATER Act, which would reauthorize federal stormwater grant programs, establish a Great Lakes Center of Excellence, and fund stormwater infrastructure grants to reduce flooding and protect waterways.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored the bipartisan Stormwater Treatment, Optimization, Resilience, and Management with Academic Technological Expertise and Research (STORMWATER) Act, legislation which aims to strengthen communities’ ability to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and protect local waterways from pollution. Kelly is a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force. This legislation is endorsed by the Great Lakes Commission. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY) in August, would reauthorize federal grant programs that support stormwater innovation, technical assistance, and flood mitigation. "20 percent of the world's surface freshwater supply is in the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie. We must do everything we can to preserve and protect this national treasure for generations to come. This legislation takes an important step toward doing just that," said Rep. Kelly. “Every Western New Yorker deserves to know that when the next major storm comes, our communities have the infrastructure and expertise to withstand it,” said Congressman Kennedy. “The STORMWATER Act is about making that investment now – strengthening our water infrastructure, protecting our neighborhoods and businesses, and putting Great Lakes communities at the forefront of the technologies we need to safeguard the critical waters we all call home.” "The Great Lakes Commission commends Rep. Kennedy for introducing the STORMWATER Act, which will ensure the Stormwater Centers of Excellence program continues nationwide while recognizing the Great Lakes as a unique resource increasingly threatened by stormwater impacts,” said Tim Bruno, Chair of the Great Lakes Commission. “Communities across the Great Lakes region are confronting more frequent flooding that threatens public health and water quality, carrying nutrients, debris, chemicals and other pollutants into our waterways. This bill will provide crucial resources to help communities prepare for and address these growing challenges." Specifically, the STORMWATER Act would: Establish a fifth Center of Excellence focused on the Great Lakes region, ensuring the region’s unique stormwater and water-quality challenges receive dedicated expertise; Reauthorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support and maintain five Centers of Excellence; Reauthorize $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for competitive Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project grants to support communities’ stormwater infrastructure needs. BACKGROUND Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melted snow cannot absorb into the ground and instead flows over hard surfaces like roads, rooftops, and parking lots. As that water moves rapidly into drainage systems and waterways, it can overwhelm infrastructure, contribute to flooding, and carry oil, debris, fertilizers, chemicals, and other pollutants into local streams and lakes. For Pennsylvania communities surrounded by the Great Lakes, these challenges are both environmental and economic. Stronger stormwater infrastructure can help protect homes and businesses from flooding, reduce pollution entering local waterways, and preserve the health and economic vitality of the Great Lakes for generations to come. The existing grant programs were set to expire in September 2026. The legislation would extend them through fiscal year 2031, providing communities with the resources and continuity needed to plan and implement long-term infrastructure improvements. You can find bill text here. Issues:Transportation & Infrastructure

Kelly leads 50+ Members in letter encouraging Trump administration to protect U.S. manufacturers from Chinese automotive, battery companies

Position: The representatives urge the Trump administration to prevent Chinese automotive and battery companies from manufacturing in the United States, citing concerns about unfair government subsidies, market domination, and national security threats.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) led this letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer, encouraging the Trump administration to refrain from any decision that would allow Chinese automotive and battery companies access to manufacture in the United States. The automotive industry is a foundational piece of the U.S. economy, contributing upwards of 5% of U.S. GDP and generating millions of manufacturing jobs across the country. Recently, Chinese automotive companies have accelerated investment in North America and flooded global markets with the long-term goal of dominating market share and controlling automotive manufacturing and supply chains globally. Further, Chinese automakers are heavily subsidized by the Chinese government, creating an unlevel playing field for American automakers. "We must be clear-eyed about China’s goals in expanding their automotive footprint across the globe. China’s intent is not fair competition, as evident by their actions in other critical sectors," the Members write. "They have drastically inflated supply in their domestic auto market through unfair government subsidies and other benefits intended to artificially prop up companies, forcing them to export and expand to foreign markets at below-market prices. China’s goal is not to compete in the U.S. automotive market, but instead to hollow it out and ultimately limit consumer choice to Chinese brands. Allowing Chinese automotive and battery companies to manufacture in the U.S. would jeopardize our national security." Members joining Reps. Kelly and Bilirakis on the letter include: Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Nichole Malliotakis (R-NY), Nicholas A. Langworthy (R-NY), Neal P. Dunn, M.D. (R-FL), Robert E. Latta (R-OH), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Keith Self (R-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., Kat Cammack (R-FL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Andy Barr (R-KY), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Lance Gooden (R-TX), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Craig Goldman (R-TX), Randy Weber (R-TX), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Earl J. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Rick Allen (R-GA), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Blake Moore (R-UT), Max Miller (R-OH), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Mike Carey (R-OH), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rudy Yakym III (R-IN), Harold Rogers (R-KY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Russ Fulcher (R-ID). You can read their full letter here. Issues:TradeTax Reform, Small Business, & The Economy

Kelly votes for Farm Bill, backs Pennsylvania agriculture and farm families

Position: Rep. Kelly voted in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, citing its support for Pennsylvania farmers through expanded investments, improved risk management tools, conservation programs, and enhanced market access.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the "The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026," also known as the Farm Bill. The legislation is a comprehensive package of legislation that supports America's farmers, ranchers, agriculture producers, and more. The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The Farm Bill's programs expand investments in rural communities, bring science-backed management back to our national forests, and restore regulatory certainty in the interstate marketplace. Further, these programs improve risk management tools for specialty crop producers, lower energy costs in rural America, and prioritize American commodities on the global stage. The new farm bill will expand producers’ access to credit, promote precision agriculture, and enhance conservation programs for working lands. "The 2026 Farm Bill builds upon the historic investments in agriculture programs included in the Working Families Tax Cuts passed last summer," said Rep. Kelly, who serves as Ways & Means Tax Subcommittee Chairman. "Nearly 1 in 10 jobs in Pennsylvania is tied to agriculture. This legislation strengthens Pennsylvania farm families by investing more here at home, while also allowing local producers to trade in new international markets. The Farm Bill is a win across the board for producers and consumers alike." The Farm Bill is supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association, and more than 500 stakeholders nationwide. By The Numbers: How The Farm Bill Helps Pennsylvania Farmers $155 million more in projected risk projection over the next decade via ARC and PLC in Title I of the Farm Bill. 30 million new base acres nationwide. Up to $41 million more every year in conservation through EQIP, ACEP, CSP, and RCPP programs. $30 million in savings for Pennsylvania producers thanks to more affordable crop insurance premiums. Saves over 46,000 family farms from the Death Tax. $1.25 billion invested in agricultural research facilities at public universities such as Pennsylvania State University. $1.1 billion investment in research, block grants, and crop insurance to support the $1.5 billion in specialty crops produced in Pennsylvania each year. Promotes national security with more than $1.6 billion for federal livestock biosecurity, protecting more than $5.8 billion in livestock and poultry products produced in Pennsylvania. Issues:Agriculture

Kelly votes to fund Department of Homeland Security

Position: Rep. Kelly supports funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, and criticizes Democrats for opposing this funding.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice vote a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) -- including funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Secret Service, and other agencies -- after the majority of congressional Democrats previously voted to keep DHS shut down for more than 70 days. This vote follows a separate vote Wednesday night to advance a budget resolution that would fund Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The budget resolution, commonly referred to as "Reconciliation 2.0," would allow congressional Republicans to pass DHS funding -- specifically for ICE and Border Patrol employees -- by a simple majority in both the House and Senate. "Over the last two months, during a period of heightened global tensions, Democrats have shamefully played games with American national security. This legislation says, 'enough is enough,'" said Rep. Kelly. "From the start, House Republicans have voted to fund DHS. Democrats have not. This legislation puts our national security and the American people first." BACKGROUND On March 27, Rep. Kelly and House Republicans voted for the fourth time to fund the Department of Homeland Security and to end the shutdown. This new budget resolution would allow for a simple majority in both the House and Senate to advance DHS funding. Previously, A 60-vote majority is needed to advance a funding bill in the Senate, meaning Senate Democrats would have been required to join congressional Republicans to fund DHS. Democrats have prolonged the shutdown by refusing to vote for funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Kelly backs foster care, pro-family bills during Ways & Means markup

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of a series of six bipartisan bills modernizing the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. The markup follows a roundtable featuring First Lady Melania Trump earlier this month, during which she advocated for these pro-family policies as part of her Fostering the Future Initiative. "Strong families create strong communities. We must ensure families and children are set up for success, so no one has to endure hardships and trauma when all they are seeking is a loving home," Rep. Kelly said. "Children are 25 percent of our population, but they are 100 percent of our future." The bills are: H.R. 7432, the "Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act" H.R. 7463, the "Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act" H.R. 7343, the "Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act" H.R. 7529, the “Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act" H.R. 7655, the “Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act" H.R. 7995, the “Chafee Opportunities for New Networks and Existing Connection Trust (CONNECT) Act” BACKGROUND Each year, nearly 16,000 foster youth age out of the foster care program. Young adults who age out of foster care at age 18 experience high rates of homelessness and are less likely to graduate from high school, gain employment, or enroll in post-secondary education compared to their peers. The Government Accountability Office published a report last year that found states have been returning Chafee funds since at least 2007. Each year, 30 or so states return about $6 to $11 million, despite evidence of unmet need. Learn more about Rep. Kelly's work supporting foster care initiatives here and here. Issues:Pro-Life & Family Values

U.S. House passes Kelly-led IRS Whistleblower Improvement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Mike Thompson (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, to strengthen and modernize the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Whistleblower Awards Program. The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act now heads to the Senate for consideration. "Today's vote is a win for the American taxpayer and the American worker," said Rep. Kelly. "Our commonsense, bipartisan legislation ensures the integrity of our Nation's tax laws. When individuals come forward to expose wrongdoing by tax cheats and fraudsters, they help ensure our voluntary tax system remains fair for all Americans. Strengthening this program is a smart way to recover unpaid taxes while improving efficiency and accountability across the system." “Whistleblowers play a critical role in government oversight – whether it be uncovering bad actors within government or, in the case of the IRS Whistleblower Program, tracking down those in the private sector who are defrauding American taxpayers,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “At a time when it appears we need an all-of-the-above approach to combatting fraud across various government programs, improving the IRS Whistleblower program will better protect whistleblowers and appropriately award them for their contributions to stopping tax fraud, tax evasion, and other similar crimes. Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee Chairman Kelly’s IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act builds on his long-standing commitment to reform and to combatting the epidemic of fraud we see stealing hard-earned dollars from the American people.” “Whistleblowers often face uncertainty and long delays. And in some cases, they face real personal and professional risk just for coming forward. We need to be doing everything we can to fix those problems,” said Rep. Thompson. “The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act will support the IRS’s crackdown on tax cheats and protect the brave whistleblowers who are helping to make our tax system more fair. I look forward to continuing my work with Rep. Kelly to get this through the Senate and signed into law.” BACKGROUND The IRS whistleblower program has enabled the agency to collect more than $7.5 billion from individuals and businesses caught dodging taxes, while also serving as a powerful deterrent against sophisticated tax evasion schemes. The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act reinforces and modernizes the program by improving the appeals process, protecting whistleblower anonymity, encouraging timely award payments, and strengthening oversight and reporting to Congress. These reforms aim to keep the program focused, predictable, and effective, ensuring a fair shake for taxpayers while maximizing the return on enforcement efforts without expanding broad-based audits. You can watch Rep. Kelly's remarks on the House floor here. Issues:Tax Reform, Small Business, & The Economy