TRENTON — Leaders in the state Assembly said today they will form a special investigatory committee with subpoena power to continue the probe of the September lane closures on the George Washington Bridge.

UPDATE:

Top N.J. lawmaker calls bridge scandal 'an abuse of power'

The committee will be led by Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) and will include appointees with legal and investigatory backgrounds, as well as members representing Fort Lee and surrounding areas that were most affected by the lane closures.

The panel will also be assigned a special counsel to advise it on legal issues, similar to one used by the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2001 to investigate the state's response to racial profiling by State Police troopers.

"A concerted and focused investigation with increased resources is now needed, and I look forward to continuing to uncover answers for the people of New Jersey with these new tools at hand," Wisniewski said. "This investigation will continue with increased intensity.”

The incoming Assembly speaker, Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson), and Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), will hold a 12:30 p.m. news conference today with Wisniewski to discuss the formation of the special committee.

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