A congressional ethics panel is ramping up its investigation into the allegations of insider trading against Rep. Chris Collins and will determine if he should be censured or removed from office.

Last month, Collins pleaded not guilty to charges of insider trading.

The Republican is accused of passing non-public information about the results of a drug trial for Australian pharmaceuticals firm to his son, who then sold roughly $1.4 million shares of his company stock hours before the stock plummeted.

The House Ethics committee voted Thursday that an investigative subcommittee will decide whether Collins violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule or regulation.

The committee has agreed to wait until the criminal case is concluded before taking action.

Collins announced last month he was suspending his campaign for re-election in the 27th district.

The GOP has been trying to figure out a way to replace him on the ballot ever since.

Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray is the endorsed Democrat in the race.