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Ethics Committee Continues Review Of Texas Congressman

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The House Ethics Committee says it is continuing an investigation of Republican congressman Blake Farenthold of Texas, despite a recommendation by an investigative panel that the complaint be dismissed.

The independent Office of Congressional Ethics said it did not find substantial reason to believe that Farenthold sexually harassed a former staff member who was later fired.

Former communications director Lauren Greene alleged in a lawsuit last year that Farenthold made sexually suggestive comments to her and fired her soon after she complained about being "bullied" by the congressman's chief of staff.

The Ethics Committee said Monday that Greene's allegations are part of a pending lawsuit that prevents the panel from completing its review or dismissing the matter.
A spokesman said Farenthold is confident the ethics case will be dismissed.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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