A source said some people will probably refuse the request while others will comply – possibly accompanied by a lawyer.

Both sources familiar with the situation said they are unsure if the probe would lead to any further action, and the Office of Congressional Ethics routinely stresses that many of its investigations lead nowhere.

“A decision to undertake a preliminary review or second-phase review should not be misconstrued,” the agency said in its first-quarter report, which said it initiated seven investigations in the first three months of the year. “Historically, the majority of reviews have resulted in termination or dismissal of the matter.”

However, if the ethics office finds substantial reasons to believe allegations against the lawmaker being investigated, the office can refer the matter to the House Committee on Ethics for further review and possible disciplinary action against the lawmaker.

Buffalo investments

The complaints the ethics office received about Collins all involve his investment in Innate and the stock tip he gave last year to then-Rep. Tom Price, a Republican from Georgia who now serves as Trump’s secretary of Health and Human Services.