Paul Ryan kicks indicted GOP Rep. Chris Collins off Energy Committee, pushes for House ethics probe

On Wednesday night, Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) said he's not stepping down or dropping his re-election bid after the FBI arrested him on charges of insider trading, wire fraud, and lying to the FBI, charges he called "meritless." House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) sees potential merit in the indictment.

"While his guilt or innocence is a question for the courts to settle, the allegations against Rep. Collins demand a prompt and thorough investigation by the House Ethics Committee," Ryan said in a statement. "Insider trading is a clear violation of the public trust. Until this matter is settled, Rep. Collins will no longer be serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee."

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Peter Weber

Peter Weber is a senior editor at TheWeek.com, and has handled the editorial night shift since the website launched in 2008. A graduate of Northwestern University, Peter has worked at Facts on File and The New York Times Magazine. He speaks Spanish and Italian and plays bass and rhythm cello in an Austin rock band. Follow him on Twitter.