Members Of Committee Investigating Kihuen Will Be Named Next Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. - We'll know next week which congressional members will investigate allegations that Rep. Ruben Kihuen sexually harassed multiple women, including his former campaign finance director and a Carson City lobbyist.

The House Committee on Ethics announced yesterday that members of the Investigative Subcommittee tasked with investigating the accusations levied against Kihuen will be announced next week.

In a statement posted yesterday, the Ethics Committee said "In accordance with House Rule XI, clause 3, and Committee Rules 10(a)(2) and 18, the Committee unanimously voted on December 21, 2017, to establish an Investigative Subcommittee. Pursuant to the Committee’s action, the Investigative Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Ruben Kihuen engaged in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct."

The statement goes on to say, "The Committee notes that the mere fact of establishing an Investigative Subcommittee does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred. The Committee will announce the Members who will serve on the Investigative Subcommittee in the next week. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules."

Kihuen has remained steadfast in his assertion that he will not resign, despite accusations from multiple women and pressure within his own party to step down. Instead, Kihuen announced he will not seek reelection in Nevada's 4th Congressional District.

Among the alleged sexual misconduct, Kihuen has been accused in articles published by Buzzfeed and The Nevada Independent of sending repeated lewd text messages to women, asking his former campaign finance director if she had ever cheated on her boyfriend, and unwanted touching and kissing. Kihuen has been adamant about denying the alleged sexual misconduct.

"I want to state clearly again that I deny the allegations in question. I am committed to fully cooperating with the House Ethics Committee and I look forward to clearing my name," Kihuen said in a statement last week.

The statement went on to explain why he will not running again, despite his assuredness of no wrongdoing.

"However, the allegations that have surfaced would be a distraction from a fair and thorough discussion of the issues in a reelection campaign. Therefore, it is in the best interests of my family and my constituents to complete my term in Congress and not seek reelection," Kihuen said.

Image via Julie Jacobson/Associated Press