The House Ethics Committee said Wednesday it had opened an investigation into the alleged relationship between Rep. Katie Hill (D., Calif.) and a member of her congressional staff.
"The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Katie Hill may have engaged in a sexual relationship with an individual on her congressional staff, in violation of House Rule XXIII, clause 18 (a)," the statement said. "The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather information regarding the allegations."
The Ethics Committee code of conduct states, "a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works under the supervision of the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner, or who is an employee of a committee on which the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner serves."
RedState first reported on Hill's alleged affairs with her campaign staffer and her legislative director.
The congresswoman denied the allegations Tuesday, but on Wednesday admitted in a statement she had a relationship with the member of her campaign staff.
"I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment," Hill said. "For that I apologize. I wish nothing but the best for her and hope everyone respects her privacy in this difficult time."
Hill denies she had a sexual relationship with her legislative director.
RedState also reported that Hill's husband, Kenny Heslep, exchanged text messages with the female staffer discussing how Hill had abused her. Hill in turn accused Heslep of being abusive in a statement to the Washington Post.
"The fact is I am going through a divorce from an abusive husband who seems determined to try to humiliate me," Hill said.