House ethics panel probes Andrews, Young

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WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. House Ethics Committee said Tuesday it is investigating allegations against Reps. Rob Andrews, D-N.J., and Don Young, R-Alaska.

In statements posted on its official website, the committee said it voted unanimously Feb. 26 to set up investigative subcommittees to look into alleged ethical lapses by the two lawmakers. The investigative panels will determine whether Andrews or Young violated any law, rule, regulation or the Code of Official Conduct.

One subcommittee will determine whether Andrews improperly used funds from his principal campaign committee and leadership Political Action Committee for personal use. Andrews also has been accused of using official resources for non-official and personal purposes, and making false statements to federal officials.

Young faces allegations he, or someone acting on his behalf, improperly obtained, received or accepted gifts; improperly used official resources or campaign funds for personal purposes; failed to report certain gifts on his annual Financial Disclosure Statements; and made false statements to federal officials, the committee said.

The allegations regard Young's expenses and travel costs for certain trips he made, the panel said.

The panel looking into the Andrews matter will be headed by Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., with Rep. Pedro Pierluisi, D-Puerto Rico, as the ranking member. Reps. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, and Jackie Speier, D-Calif., also will be members.

Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., will serve as chairman of the subcommittee investigating Young, with Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., the ranking member. Reps. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, and Bill Keating, D-Mass., also will serve on the panel.