The Senate Ethics Committee announced Thursday that it has opened a "preliminary inquiry" into allegations of sexual harassment involving Sen. Al Franken Alan (Al) Stuart FrankenGOP Senate candidate says Trump, Republicans will surprise in Minnesota Peterson faces fight of his career in deep-red Minnesota district Getting tight — the psychology of cancel culture MORE (D-Minn.), after the senator and others urged the committee to look into his past behavior.

"While the Committee does not generally comment on pending matters or matters that may come before it, in this instance, the Committee is publicly confirming that it has opened a preliminary inquiry into Senator Franken's alleged misconduct," the committee said in a statement.

The Ethics Committee has formally announced it has opened a “preliminary inquiry into Senator Franken’s alleged misconduct.” pic.twitter.com/sTTZuUDJNY — Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) November 30, 2017

The statement, issued by Chairman Johnny Isakson Johnny IsaksonLoeffler paints herself as 'more conservative than Attila the Hun' in new campaign ad Georgia GOP Senate candidates cite abortion in pushing Ginsburg replacement Loeffler: Trump 'has every right' to fill Ginsburg vacancy before election MORE (R-Ga.), Vice Chairman Christopher Coons Christopher (Chris) Andrew CoonsMurkowski: Supreme Court nominee should not be taken up before election Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight Sunday shows - Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death dominates MORE (D-Del.) and a bipartisan group of committee members, comes after Franken apologized after radio host and former sports broadcaster Leeann Tweeden accused him of groping her in 2006 after a USO tour.

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Tweeden shared a picture of Franken with his hands on her chest while she was asleep on a flight back from overseas, and she said he had forcibly kissed her during a rehearsal for a sketch on the tour.

"I understand why we need to listen to and believe women's experiences," Franken said in his apology. "I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate."

Several Democratic lawmakers have come under scrutiny for allegations of sexual misconduct, including longtime Rep. John Conyers John James ConyersBiden's immigration plan has serious problems Tlaib wins Michigan Democratic primary Tlaib holds lead in early vote count against primary challenger MORE Jr. (D-Mich.), whom House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiTrump puts Supreme Court fight at center of Ohio rally CDC causes new storm by pulling coronavirus guidance Overnight Health Care: CDC pulls revised guidance on coronavirus | Government watchdog finds supply shortages are harming US response | As virus pummels US, Europe sees its own spike MORE (D-Calif.) said Thursday should step down.