The House Ethics Committee revealed Thursday that it is investigating Rep. Alcee Hastings Alcee (Judge) Lamar HastingsFlorida Democrat introduces bill to recognize Puerto Rico statehood referendum Poisoning of Putin opponent could test US-Moscow relationship Florida county official apologizes for social media post invoking Hitler MORE (D-Fla.) over whether his relationship with a member of his staff breaks House rules.

Hastings has admitted to being in a relationship with his aide, Patricia Williams, who serves as his deputy district director.

The committee is now investigating whether Hastings violated House rules with that relationship and if he received any improper gifts from Williams.

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The House last year adopted a rule preventing members of Congress from having a sexual relationship with a member of their staff.

"The Committee is aware of public allegations arising out of Representative Alcee Hastings’ personal relationship with an individual employed in his congressional office," House Ethics Committee Chairman Ted Deutch Theodore (Ted) Eliot DeutchShakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' Florida Democrat introduces bill to recognize Puerto Rico statehood referendum Matt Gaetz, Roger Stone back far-right activist Laura Loomer in congressional bid MORE (D-Fla.) and the panel's ranking Republican, Rep. Kenny Marchant Kenny Ewell MarchantHouse Ethics panel recommends ,000 fine for Rep. Schweikert's campaign finance violations Candace Valenzuela wins Texas runoff to replace retiring Rep. Marchant Ethics Committee reviewing Rep. Sanford Bishop's campaign spending MORE (Texas), said in a joint statement, without identifying the staffer.

The statement said that the committee had begun an investigation on May 14, but did not reveal it publicly until Thursday.

Hastings has dismissed ethical concerns about his relationship, telling The Palm Beach Post "it’s been looking like that for 25 years” according to a story published last month.

Williams previously served as counsel to Hastings when he was accused of accepting bribes as a federal judge in the 1980s. Hastings was later impeached.

A congressional staffer who worked for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe filed a complaint against Hastings, who served as the commission's chairman, alleging that he made unwanted sexual advances.



The House Ethics Committee reviewed the matter, but ultimately cleared Hastings in 2014 after finding insufficient evidence. However, the committee did find that Hastings admitted to making lewd comments in front of the complainant that showed "poor judgment."