Washington (CNN) The House Ethics Committee announced on Thursday that Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida is facing an investigation over allegations of a relationship with one of his staffers.

"The Committee is aware of public allegations arising out of Representative Alcee Hastings' personal relationship with an individual employed in his congressional office. On May 14, 2019, the Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), began an investigation regarding the allegations," a statement released by the chair and ranking member for the House Ethics committee said.

CNN has reached out to Hastings' congressional office with a request for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

Hastings told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in a statement that he has "cooperated with the committee," and that, "As they continue to conduct their work, I stand ready to fully cooperate with their inquiry."

In an article published in October, the Palm Beach Post reported that the congressman told the newspaper in April that "he remained in a relationship with a member of his congressional staff," but said that "he is unconcerned with the appearance of impropriety generated by his relationship."

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