Lawmakers vote to form investigative panel in Meehan case

WASHINGTON – Leaders of the House Ethics Committee say an investigative panel will examine whether Republican Rep. Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania engaged in sexual harassment, retaliation or misuse of official resources.

The allegations against Meehan by a former aide came to light in a New York Times story last month. The report said Meehan had settled a sexual harassment complaint with taxpayer money. He denied any wrongdoing.

Meehan has since said he will not seek re-election.

House Speaker Paul Ryan called on the committee to investigate the allegations “fully and immediately,” and said Meehan would submit himself to the committee’s review.

The investigative panel will also review whether Meehan’s former chief of staff, Brian Schubert, engaged in similar conduct.

The Ethics Committee says the panel’s formation doesn’t itself indicate a violation occurred.