Committee On Ethics Begins To Investigate Kihuen

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States House Committee on Ethics has announced the beginning of an investigation into allegations that Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada's 4th Congressional District sexually harassed a former campaign staffer and a Carson City lobbyist, the committee announced on Friday.

In a statement, the committee announced the investigation, saying, "The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Ruben Kihuen may have engaged in sexual harassment. The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations. "

The statement goes on to say, "The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee."

The statement added that no further comment will be made while the investigation is underway.

Two separate news pieces detail an alleged pattern of sexual harassment from Kihuen directed towards women he was professionally associated with. The allegations were first made public when a Buzzfeed article detailed the account of Kihuen's former campaign finance director, who accused Kihuen of making repeated and unwelcomed sexual advances. A second woman came forward this week with a similar account to The Nevada Independent this week. The woman, who worked as a lobbyist in Carson City while Kihuen was a Nevada state senator, alleges that Kihuen sent her lewd text messages and even grabbed her inappropriately over a two-year span from 2013-2015.

The ten member committee is chaired by Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN). The ranking member is Rep. Theodore Deutch (D-FL).

Kihuen's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Image via Cathleen Allison/Associated Press