Ethics Committee establishes subpanel to probe Texas rep after harassment claims

The House Ethics Committee will impanel an investigative subcommittee to look into allegations of sexual harassment against Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), the committee announced Thursday. 

Farenthold is facing scrutiny over his use of taxpayer funds to settle a 2014 lawsuit with his former communications director Lauren Greene, who claims the Texas Republican sexually harassed her and fostered an overall hostile work environment.

NEW: House Ethics Committee impaneling subcommittee to investigate Rep. Blake Farenthold following allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination. pic.twitter.com/f8s8imjPKp

— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) December 7, 2017

The committee said it established the subcommittee by a unanimous vote, which will seek to determine whether Farenthold’s actions violated the House’s official code of conduct. 

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Farenthold has not admitted to any wrongdoing, but said he would reimburse taxpayers for the legal costs. 

The committee clarified that its impaneling of a subcommittee to investigate the matter does not mean that Farenthold is guilty of any violation.